Generation H: National History Day

Chronicles the efforts of students who surpass classroom education standards and spend months preparing exhibits, papers, documentaries and performances in recognition of National History Day, an education program that encourages young people to explore historical topics related to an annual theme. Participants qualify for the national event after competing in a series of local and state competitions, which draw more than half a million entrants annually. Over 300 historians and education professionals evaluate the students' work throughout the week of the national competition. Follows the progress of a geographically diverse group of students who were inspired to look beyond textbooks and bring history to life. The documentary tracks their efforts from initial concepts to the qualifying rounds of the national competition. Donny, a Navajo from New Mexico, explores how the automobile affected his reservation. In New York City, Marsha and Ilana produce a documentary on how space has affected popular culture. From Vermont, students Brent, Rick and Casey recreate a maple sugaring house. Brent, who is blind, exhibits all the research in Braille and with 3-D maps.