Read the National History Day 2010 Theme essay

Want more ideas for finding a topic for History Fair?

Chicago Metro History Fair’s list of topic ideas for the adventurous!

"Using a Concept Map to Make Sense of Innovations in history" will help you think historically about this year’s theme (.7 MB Microsoft Powerpoint file)

Concept Map example (PDF)

Dominic Pacyga, author of Chicago: An Urban Biography offers more innovations throughout Chicago history.  A great accompaniment to the concept maps or essay! Download Microsoft Powerpoint file (3 MB)

2009 Chicago Archives Fair (PDF)

Media Burn Topic Guide (PDF)

Depaul Topics Guide ( PDF)

Topic Ideas from the National Archives at Chicago (PDF)

Innovative ideas that can be found at the UIC Special Collections Library!

Click poster at left for a larger version, suitable for printing.

We would like to also call your attention to Lake Forest's archival holdings relating to your topic - visit their web page here. They are a short walk from the Metra North line (from Ogilvie) at Lake Forest.

See the Chicago History Fair Find Topics page for ideas not related to this year’s theme. Got questions, comments, suggestions about these topics or any others? Visit and participate on our History Fair Blog.