March 19, 2011
Regional history fair set for March 24
CARBONDALE, Ill. - History buffs will get a chance to step back in time at the annual Southern Illinois Regional History Fair at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, on Saturday, March 24, at the SIU Arena. Doors open at 9 a.m., and closing ceremonies and the awards presentation begin at 2 p.m. The exhibits are open from noon to 3 p.m. The fair is free and open to the public.
The Southern Illinois Regional History Fair gives local junior high and high school students an opportunity to win awards and scholarships through various history-related projects pertaining to Southern Illinois.
Students work on an individual or group basis and they present their research findings in a variety of formats such as essays, research papers, exhibits, models, media presentations and dramatic performances.
"The subjects range from Charlie Birger to Chester's Popeye, from veterans of the Second World War to General John A. Logan, and from the building of Southern Illinois University to the great flood of 1938," said Michael C. Batinski, chair of SIUC's history department and coordinator of the fair. "Some students present histories of family farms and others of the Underground Railroad. Together these projects reflect the rich and diverse history of this region."
The Southern Illinois Regional History Fair is the largest regional fair in the state with more than 400 students from 20 schools participating. Students who receive a superior rating will advance to the Illinois State History Fair in Springfield in May. State fair winners advance to the National History Fair at the University of Maryland in June.
For more information, contact Batinski at 618/453-4391 or histfair@siu.edu.