When Abigail Makovsky, Colton Cutlip, Kayla Graff, and Christina O'Donnell, students at the Kutztown Area Middle School, began research for their National History Day in Pennsylvania (NHD in PA) entry, they probably did not contemplate that their research would become an exhibit at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.  However, on Wednesday, June 15, 2011 their exhibit entitled, “Domestic Terrorists or Political Activists? The Paxton Riots and Pamphlet War Embody the Struggle of Colonial America,” will be on display at the National Museum of American History, a component of the Smithsonian Institute on the National Mall.

Their display coincides with the Kenneth E. Behring National History Day contest that will occur at the University of Maryland from June 12 to June 18, 2011.  Seventy-one (71) middle-school and high-school students from Pennsylvania will compete against thousands of students from across the country and around the world for the top honors in categories that include exhibits, video documentaries, dramatic performances, research papers, and websites. The Pennsylvania delegation to the national contest was selected from among the 840 students who competed in the NHD in PA state contest in May at Millersville University.

These students’ project explores the conflict between the Quaker government and the Protestant frontiersmen in what is now central Pennsylvania.  Investigating the 2011 NHD in PA theme of “Debate and Diplomacy:  Success, Failure, and Consequences,” their project studies and seeks to explain a persistent theme in American history of disagreements between citizens living in rural areas and those that live in the urban power centers.  This effort to explain our history makes the student’s exhibit perfect for the National Museum of American History.

“This is an incredible honor for these students and for Pennsylvania,” says National History Day in Pennsylvania State Coordinator Jeff Hawks.  “Their outstanding work makes them true ambassadors for Pennsylvania. Their project embodies both the strength of Pennsylvania’s education system and demonstrates the central role of the Commonwealth in the history of our nation.”

Students in the NHD program select a topic based on the annual theme, research and analyze primary and secondary sources, draw conclusions, and create projects to showcase their achievements.  All NHD students work hard, but these students stand out.  “The dedication and maturity and responsibility shown by these students would have been commendable in an adult,” says their teacher, Aaron Ashman, “and is truly extraordinary from middle school students.”

National History Day in Pennsylvania is sponsored by the Army Heritage Center Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit located in Carlisle, PA that leads the partnership that, through donated support, is funding the construction of the public components of the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center.  Over 6,000 students, teachers, parents, and volunteers participate in NHD in PA on an annual basis.  For more information visit http://pa.nhd.org or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .