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National History Day How to: Creating an Exhibit. What is an Exhibit?. A physical display of documents, images, and objects to present your topic. Thinking outside the box: Exhibits can be more than just a poster board. Get creative!.
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What is an Exhibit? • A physical display of documents, images, and objects to present your topic. Thinking outside the box: Exhibits can be more than just a poster board. Get creative!
Exhibit BasicsCheck the Contest Rule Book for all rules • 500 word limit for your own words. • 3-dimensional: Up to 40 inches wide, 30 inches deep, 6 feet high. • Can be interactive • Text is restricted to what is essential to tell your story
What does your project need to “do”? • Tell a story • Reveal change over time • Consider historical perspective • Provide context • Ask questions • Draw conclusions • Find facts
What does your project need to “do”? • Important: Your text should provide analysis and interpretation of your sources and should always work to support your argument. • You will not be doing a 10-20 minute presentation of your research, so it needs to be on your exhibit.
How do I choose a topic? • Brainstorm topics related to the theme. • Learn what historical resources are nearby. • Think through controversial topics. • Choose something you think is interesting!
How do I research my topic? • Start with secondary sources • They help you understand your topic more completely. • Will point you toward primary sources. • Help you pick the specific themes and key questions you want to address and ask. • Can I use websites? • Yes, but don’t do all your research there.
How do I research my topic? • Primary sources! • NHD defines these as materials directly related to a topic by time or participation. • Sources can be both primary and secondary depending on how it’s used. • Look in the footnotes and bibliographies of secondary sources to find them. • Talk to a librarian, teacher, archivist, or historian!
Ok, I have sources. Now what? • Not all primary sources are primary to your topic. • Think about these questions: • What type of source is it? • What is the date? • Who created it? • Where was it produced?
What do I put on exhibit? • Does it fit the theme? • Does it further the story you’re telling? • Is it too wordy, too large? • Is it visually interesting? • Do you want to include artifacts? • Do you want interactives? • Will it have media?
Your “Script” • Label hierarchy: Title, Subheadings, Information • Don’t overuse quotes to get around word limit. • Consider what your most important points are. Title Heading Main Text
What should my exhibit look like? • Consider color, size, legibility, texture, and space • Does it support your topic? • Does not have to be elaborate or expensive to be award winning. • Visit a museum exhibit. • Have fun with it!
But, what if I have questions? • That’s easy, contact: Cheryl Caskey at cheryl.caskey@ky.gov or 502-564-1792 ext.4461. • Or, visit: http://nhd.org/CreatingEntry.htm. • Or, visit: www.facebook.com/kyjhs. • Or, visit: www.history.ky.gov.