Contest Categories

Name: Vermont History Explorer
Telephone: (802) 828-1413

Specific contest day details for students presenting websites, documentaries, papers, exhibits, or performances at Vermont History Day

General Category Information

Bring three printed copies of your process paper and annotated bibliography.
- Judges need to read your process paper and bibliographies, not view them on a device.
In case of an emergency, printers are available around campus

Websites

Judges will have viewed websites, and read them thoroughly, before contest day judging.
The process paper and bibliography are part of the student website, so no additional copies are necessary.
Website judging is scheduled in 15-minute increments.
Example projects

Submission Deadline

Websites, Documentaries and Papers need to submit projects by March 27, 2026 at 11:59 pm.

Documentaries

Documentaries are submitted by March 23, so students only need to bring three copies of their process paper and bibliography.
Judging rooms will have a computer (PC), a projector, and a screen. The documentaries will be pre-loaded on the computers. Students will give the judges their process paper to read before their video is shown. When judges indicate they are ready, s student may start the video.
Documentary judging is scheduled in 20-minute increments.
Spectators may watch documentary judging.
Example projects

Submission Deadline

Websites, Documentaries and Papers need to submit projects by March 27, 2026 at 11:59 pm.

Exhibits

Student should arrive early to allow time to find their assigned spot and set up their exhibit. The exhibit must be ready by 9:40 am for judges. Three copies of their process paper and bibliography must be left on the exhibit table.
It's recommended that students bring extra supplies to fix anything that was damaged during transportation.
Exhibit judging is scheduled in 15-minute increments. Students will be allowed to enter the exhibit hall approximately 5 minutes before their scheduled judging time. Students must leave the exhibit hall after judging.
Spectators may not watch exhibit judging to limit noise and distractions for students and judges.
Exhibits must be broken down before the Awards Ceremony begins.
Example projects

Submission Deadline

2025 Contest Change
- Process Papers and Annotated Bibliographies are due for Exhibits and Performances on March 27, 2026 at 11:59pm.
Exhibits and Performances are due by the day of the contest.

Performances

Any props must be able to be set-up in just 5 minutes. It is advised that students bring tools and supplies to repair anything that may have been damaged during transportation.
Three copies of the process paper and bibliography must be given to the judges to read during set up. When the judges indicate they are ready, students will announce the title and recite the student name(s) before the performance begins.
Performance judging is scheduled in 20-minute increments.
Spectators may watch performance judging.
Example projects

Submission Deadline

2025 Contest Change
- Process Papers and Annotated Bibliographies are due for Exhibits and Performances on March 27, 2026 at 11:59pm.
Exhibits and Performances are due by the day of the contest.