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2022 Student Research Awards

Categories and Examples

Students may submit a project on any topic. Entries must show analysis of the topic, not just the facts, and be presented in the student’s own words. Project formats include:

Research Papers

Two categories of research papers are eligible for an award:

(1) Traditional research paper, based on a subject of choice;

(2) A research paper that reconstructs the past by analyzing and interpreting the issues and events mentioned in a historical story, ballad, folksong, folktale, diary, letter, poem, or an oral history interview.
(For example: a student uses an 1863 letter written by Colonel Barber in Virginia to his wife in upstate New York as part of a study to reconstruct the colonel’s life, in order to show the impact of the CivilWar on the life of a New York soldier and his family.) Students must use historical records to analyze and interpret the issues and events mentioned in the folksong, diary, letter, poem, etc. they are using.

Papers must be:

  • No less than 1,000 words
  • Typed in 12-point font and double-spaced
  • Include an annotated bibliography and citations (footnotes or endnotes)
  • Saved as a pdf
  • Submitted by email along with the entry form or mailed to the address on the entry form

Documentaries and Performances

  • Documentaries and performances must be uploaded to YouTube and the link included on the entry form.
  • Please submit the entry form and the script with the annotated bibliography as a pdf attachment.  
  • Be sure to cite any music and persons interviewed in the annotated bibliography. Entries should be no longer than fifteen (15) minutes. 

Websites

  • There is no word limit on websites. Website entries must have a valid URL address listed on the entry form.
  • Entrant(s) must ensure that the entry is accessible over the summer months. Entrant(s) names must appear on the website.
  • The entry form containing the website address should be submitted by email.

Exhibits

  • This category does not limit the size of the exhibit, but no larger than 24”x 36” is preferred.
  • Tri-folded exhibits are welcome. Images of the exhibit should be submitted by email along with the entry form if you choose not to mail the original exhibit.
  • Copies of the exhibit labels, text, and any additional information that accompanies the original exhibit must be submitted with the entry.
  • Student-composed written materials on the exhibit should contain no more than 500 words including labels and captions. This limit does not apply to quotations or documents that may be used as an integral part of the exhibit. In fact, students are encouraged to incorporate copies of historical documents that can do the speaking for them and use quotes from historical figures. This allows the students to use the student- composed words to analyze and narrate the topic.
  • Information should be properly cited.
  • Orginal exhibits can be mailed to the address on the entry form. 
  • The exhibit should be shipped in a reusable carton; exhibits will be returned to the entrants if shipped this way.
  • The State Archives is not responsible for any damage or loss suffered by the exhibit in shipment.

PowerPoints 

  • PowerPoint presentations can be viewed as a virtual exhibit.
  • There is a 500-word count limit for student- composed words including labels and captions. Citations and quotations do not count in the word limit. Students are encouraged to incorporate images of historical documents that can do the speaking for them and use quotes from historical figures. This allows the students to use the student-composed words to analyze and narrate the topic.
  • Information should be properly cited.
  • PowerPoints should be saved as a pdf and sent by email along with the entry form.

Proposals for a Historical Marker

Proposals must be:

  • The result of research using historical records
  • No less than 1,000 words
  • Typed in 12-point font and double-spaced
  • Include an annotated bibliography and citations (footnotes or endnotes)
  • Saved as a pdf
  • Submitted by email along with the entry form or mailed to the address on the entry form

All proposals submitted to the State Archives for designating historic properties, districts, or markers are for Student Research Awards purposes only. To officially nominate a site for the State and National Register of Historic Places, visit the website of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Field Services Bureau. To nominate a site for a historic roadside marker, visit the William G. Pomeroy Foundation website (currently only nominations for events dated between 1740 and 1916 are accepted).

Examples

Interviews with 2020 Winners

Interviews with 2019 Winners