Another Year Begins!

This year's theme--Frontiers in History--seems apt. Every day feels like a new frontier in this evolving world. Kayla and I just spent a month seeing that world through the eyes of 50+ teenagers. They were all working on NHDC projects that have Colorado topics based on the theme (see the list below). If dreams play out, these teens will turn in to another generation of history makers. Fingers crossed.

In the meantime, we hope you will join us for our big celebration breakfast this year! It is September 9. It is our big fall showcase and is the official launch of each year's journal--hard to believe this is our 5^th year publishing such an auspicious volume. The showcase is also a place to see the hard work of the winners who earned medals in the previous year--we'll have a grand champion documentary to show off.  You will be thrilled--and Patty Limerick will make sure you know it! Please RSVP here.

Teachers, this year's training is unique. We are working with Teaching with Primary Sources/Library of Congress to create Master Teachers--those who are able to teach peers how to be great NHDC educators. We have 2 options--each features one day of in-person in Denver (hotel and food provided) and several evenings of virtual instruction. Both sessions will come together on November 4 for our own "competition"--complete with prizes. It is an important step for our state, as we are seeing such a growth in participation post-COVID. Sure hope you'll consider being one of these important resources.

Lastly, pay attention. It feels like history is being made every. single. day. right now. Some of it is awesome. Some of it not so much. One of our students reminded me that "changing the world" has seldom been on a global scale in history. Mainly it is the little acts that make big change or create a small ripple that might result in historic change. As we finish this summer, I think about how a young Teddy Roosevelt loved the outdoors--it was enough that he carried this love into his presidency. He is behind the 1906 American Antiquities Act and created the US Forest Service. This summer, I hope you all were able to participate in some of what President Roosevelt set aside for us to enjoy.

Happy back to school!
Celeste

NHDC Topic List