1. National History Day Project
Process Paper

2. National History Day Project Process Paper
What is a Process Paper?
A description explaining how you
conducted your research
and created and developed your entry.
Your description must conclude with
an explanation of the relationship
of your topic to the contest theme,
Debate & Diplomacy in History:
Successes, Failures, and Consequences.

3. National History Day Project Process Paper
What are the parts of a Process Paper?
Title Page
Four Sections
Annotated Bibliography

4. National History Day Project Process Paper
What is the Title Page?
*The first page of
written material in every category
*Must include only :
Title of your entry
Your name(s)
The contest division and category
in which you are entered.

5. National History Day Project Process Paper
Title
Michigan:
A State Divided No More
Ellen Kuhn
Junior Division
Individual Performance
Your Name
Division
Category

6. National History Day Project Process Paper
What Is Included in the Body of the Process Paper?
*A description in 500 words or less
of how you conducted your
research and created
your entry.
*It must include four sections.

7. National History Day Project Process Paper
What Is Included in Section 1 of the Process Paper?
*Explains how you chose
your topic
*Should include your thesis statement

8. National History Day Project Process Paper
On vacation every year, when my sisters and I were younger, we would always fight for the seats in the car for the first glimpse of the Mackinac Bridge towers. Once we reached the bridge, we would stop at a small beach near the foot of the bridge, take pictures, and gaze at the incredible beauty of the structure. This forty-three-year-old engineering marvel has forever changed life in Michigan. It was while visiting the Mackinaw City Bridge Museum that I began to consider preparing my project on this structure for it has certainly proved to be a turning point in history.
(You must develop your own argument of the historical impact of the person, event, pattern or idea you are studying. The point you make is called a thesis statement. Your thesis statement explains what you believe to be the impact and significance of your topic in history.)
Thesis
Statement

9. National History Day Project Process Paper
What Is Included in Section 2 of the Process Paper?
*Explains how you conducted your research

10. National History Day Project Process Paper
I purchased three videos that were key secondary sources for my project. These three sources helped me to understand what life was like in the two peninsulas before the bridge, and how that way of life was altered by the construction of the Mackinac Bridge. Additional secondary sources were found on the Internet, at Washington Pennsylvania’s library, the Washington and Jefferson Library, and the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

11. National History Day Project Process Paper
Through my efforts, I located my most important primary source, Lawrence A. Rubin, the original Executive Secretary of the Mackinac Bridge Authority. Mr. Rubin is the foremost, living authority on the Mackinac Bridge, and he helped me understand the many turning points that the bridge facilitated, such as better medical services and education for the Upper Peninsula. Numerous articles and books dealing with the Mackinac Bridge and written by its designer, David B. Steinman, were extremely helpful. They provided me with insights into the aerodynamic stability of the bridge and turning points that bridges brought about. Additionally, I visited the State Library of Michigan for many more important sources.

12. National History Day Project Process Paper
What Is Included in Section 3 of the Process Paper?
*Explains how you selected your presentation category and created your project

13. National History Day Project Process Paper
I chose to present my findings in the form of performance because I love to act. In my drama, I portray a man waiting for the ferries, in order to catch a glimpse of what life was like before the bridge and to assess the event that was a turning point in history. I then portray Dr. Steinman to examine his revolutionary ideas in bridge building design. Finally, I depict Mr. Lawrence A. Rubin to analyze the numerous benefits for the Upper Peninsula and the people that were crucial to the building of the Mackinac Bridge.

14. National History Day Project Process Paper
What Is Included in Section 4 of the Process Paper?
*Explains how your project relates to the NHD theme

15. National History Day Project Process Paper
The completion of the Mackinac Bridge clearly is an important turning point in history. This structure provided the first permanent connection of the two peninsulas of Michigan. The residents of the Upper Peninsula will never again feel insolated and their quality of life is improved. Trade, travel, and tourism have boomed thanks to the bridge. From an engineering viewpoint, this was the first suspension bridge in the world to be aerodynamically “perfect.” Through its design, other suspension bridges have become safer and longer. In reflecting on the potential impact of his achievements, David B. Steinman stated, “In human hearts was born the plan: a bridge of peace, uniting man. Our sons will have the span we wrought; the world the dream for which we fought.”

16. National History Day Project Process Paper
You can view other sample process papers at
Click on “Contest” on the red menu bar.
Click on “Creating an Entry” on left.

17. National History Day Project Process Paper
What Is Included in the
Annotated Bibliography?
*List only sources that contributed to your project
*Include visual materials and oral interviews
*Separate Primary and Secondary Sources
*Annotate each source to explain how you used the source and how it helped you understand your topic

18. National History Day Project Process Paper
What does an
Annotated Bibliography look like?
Annotated Bibliography
Primary Sources:
Ruggiero, Adriane. American Voices From WWII. Tarrytown:
Benchmark Books, Print.
This book provided eyewitness accounts from soldiers during WWII. It also provided reports from the military that I used in my research.
Secondary Sources:
Editors of American Heritage. D-Day: The Invasion of Europe.
New York: American Heritage, Print.
The author provided research for different activities that happened in the beginning of combat. It discussed how many people died at sea and in various battles.

19. National History Day Project Process Paper
Information for this PPT was taken from
and prepared by
Ms. Angelette, SMS Librarian