Illinois history fair is a co-curriculum education program motivating students on many levels to new heights of learning. Students pick a historical topic of interest to them. Essentially at this point, the history fair becomes their very own project, one that will take them on a journey to investigate state and local history in and out of the classroom. Students locate sources, read and analyze written and visual material, think critically, write about change over time and choose a format to demonstrate their knowledge. After this effort, a project has been created that they can be proud of, plus they have sharpened skills which will serve them as they go through life. Not to mention, they learn some Illinois history!

Students who achieve in academic programs should be recognized. The Illinois History Fair is an excellent vehicle for getting some much deserved attention to those students, their school and you! The Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and the University press offices distribute press releases to area and statewide media outlets. On the local level schools honor history fair participants during school award presentations and can also arrange for local media to cover the school history fair, regional fair and Illinois History Expo.