The National Archives awards prizes to entrants in the research-based National History Challenge. The prizes are awarded for excellence in the use of primary sources (archival records) from the National Archives’ collection.
Theme for 2010
Celebrations, memories and history
National Archives special category
The National Archives’ special category in the National History Challenge is Using Primary Sources from the National Archives.
New in 2010!
Two entry options – students may choose one of the following options for their essay topic:
1 The Constitution – creating a nation
2 Delving into the National Archives’ collection (select one of the following subject areas: human rights, immigration, environment, national enterprises, gender, or science and technology)
Prizes
One winner will be selected from each state and territory for each of the two essay options. These winners will receive a cash prize of $200.
Two national winners – one for each essay option – will be selected from the state and territory winners. The national winners will receive a further cash prize of $300. They will also receive an expense-paid trip to Canberra to attend the National History Challenge awards ceremony, and to visit national cultural institutions including the National Archives.
How to enter
To be considered for Using Primary Sources from the National Archives prizes, you must:
· be in Year 9, 10, 11 or 12
· research and write an essay that covers the 2010 National History Challenge theme – celebrations, memories and history
· use a range of primary sources, including those from the National Archives’ collection
· include citations, and credit the source of ideas, information and quotations
· include an annotated bibliography listing all sources used and brief comments on what each contained
· clearly state on the title page of the essay which of the two options has been chosen: The Constitution – creating a nation, or Delving into the National Archives’ collection (and the selected subject area).
Entry forms
Entry forms and further information can be found at the National History Challenge website.
Getting started
Vrroom
Students can use Vrroom, the National Archives’ virtual reading room website, to discover how easy it is to find surprising and tantalising primary sources relevant to their topic. By mid-March, Vrroom will include a link to the 2010 National History Challenge and a selection of records relating to each topic. There will also be questions to get students thinking about celebrations, memories and history.
Make sure you learn about using archival records (primary sources) before beginning the challenge.
Read essays that have won the National Archives’ special category in previous years.
For more information, contact the National Archives:
Education Officer
Ph: (02) 6212 3792
Fax: (02) 6212 6230
Email: eduation@naa.gov.au
National Archives of Australia
PO Box 7425
Canberra Business Centre ACT 2610