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Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Illinois History Day

Illinois State Museum - Illinois History Day Mission Statement


TEACHERS!!

Meet our Illinois State Coordinator and learn about Illinois History Day then fill out the teacher interest form below, so your students can join the fun!!

Teacher Interest Form

JUDGES and VOLUNTEERS!!

Learn all about the Illinois History Day Judging Process, then fill out the judging/volunteer interest form below – we are so thankful for your help!!

Judging/Volunteer Interest Form

National History Day 1st Place winner reaches out in support of Illinois History Day!

Abigail Peterson won 1st place at the 2019 National History Day National contest. Now a graduate student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Abigail spoke with ISM's Illinois History Day state coordinator, Laura Mitchelle, all about her history day experience.

Check out the award winning website!

Regional History Day Competitions

Northern Illinois Regional Contest
Julie Junod - regional coordinator
julie.junod@burpee.org  
Date TBD
Burpee Museum of Natural History
 

Chicago Metro HIstory Day Regional Contest
Crystal Johnson – regional coordinator
cjohnson@chicagohistory.org
Seniors - February 28, 2026
Juniors - March 7, 2026
University of Illinois Chicago


Central Illinois Regional Contest
Dr. Greg Carter – regional coordinator
Gmcart1@ilstu.edu
Date TBD
Illinois State University


Southern Illinois Regional Contest
Lydia Pensel – regional coordinator
lydia.pensel@siu.edu
March 21, 2026
Southern Illinois University Cardondale

Illinois History Day State Contest