There are six special awards available at the state competition. To be considered for a special award:
A project must be nominated at the registration process.
Meet the selection criteria.
Cite and demonstrate the use of at least 3-5 primary sources and 5-10 quality secondary sources.
If selection committees decide no project meets the criteria, the award will not be awarded.
The Martha Plassmann Prize
Sponsored by the Montana Historical Society, this $500 prize is awarded to one outstanding project that utilizes digital newspapers available on the Library of Congress website Chronicling America. The prize goes to a project that demonstrates a clear understanding and use of newspapers as a primary source. Visit the MTHS website for more information.
The Dave Walter Travel Scholarship from the James H. Bradley Trust
Sponsored by the Montana Historical Society, this $1,000 scholarship is awarded to the creators of a Montana history project that advances to the national contest. The project MUST be about Montana history and the scholarship money must be used to expenses related to traveling to the national contest in Maryland. The winter of the Walter Scholarship may also have their work featured in Montana The Magazine of Western History.
Excellence in Veterans' History
Sponsored by the Montana 250th Commission, this $500 special award celebrates outstanding student projects that honor and illuminate the experience of those who have served in the armed forces. Eligible projects may explore various themes related to veterans' history including personal narratives, impact of military service on communities, or the sociopolitical implications of various conflicts. Projects that utilize primary sources, interviews with veterans, or engage local veteran organizations will be especially considered. To be considered, projects must use at least 3-5 primary sources and 5-10 quality secondary sources.
Montana Achievers and Achievements
This $500 award, sponsored by the Montana 250th Commission, not only honors exceptional historical research but also encourages students to explore the contributions of Montanans to our shared American story. To be eligible for the award, projects must spotlight a notable Montanan (or groups of Montanans) whose achievements had a profound impact at the state, national, or even international level. To be considered, projects must use at least 3-5 primary sources and 5-10 quality secondary sources.
Excellence in Indigenous History and Culture
This $500 award, sponsored by the Montana 250th Commission, recognizes outstanding research in Indigenous History and culture. It aims to inspire students to delve into the rich heritage and significant contributions of Indigenous peoples in Montana and beyond. To be eligible for the award, projects must focus on Indigenous individuals, communities, or movements and/or celebrate their enduring legacy and ongoing contributions. To be considered, projects must use at least 3-5 primary sources and 5-10 quality secondary sources.
The Future Leaders of Montana Scholarship
Sponsored by The Great Adventure Foundation, this $1000 scholarship goes to the highest-scoring individual or group Junior Division project. The Great Adventure Foundation believes that programs like National History Day teach skills that are essential to student success in their future college, career, and civic life. The Foundation also believes that students learn important life lessons through their historical research and participation in National History Day.
History and Science of Technology Award
Sponsored by the American Computer & Robotics Museum, this $150 scholarship is awarded to one outstanding project that advances to the national contest. This award aims to inspire students to research significant milestone developments in science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics. To be eligible for this award, the project must focus on the innovation’s impact on society, the economy, or culture, citing specific legal and/or ethical factors. To be considered, projects must use at least 3-5 primary sources and 5-10 quality secondary sources.
Special awards are an excellent way to incentivize and reward students for utilizing certain research approaches or examining specific areas of history. Special awards can be sponsored at the regional or state level. Interested in sponsoring an award? Let us know.
Interested in sponsoring a special award? Let us know.
American Labor History
The Arts in History
Discovery or Exploration in History
Equality in History
History of Place
Equality in History
History of Place
History in the Federal Government
History of Agriculture and Rural Life
World War History
History of Science & Technology
History of Place
Immigration History
Irish or Irish American History
Women's History
Untold Stories in History