Smackdown 2016

Date: February 18, 2016
Contact: Brian Hoduski, 906-483-3026

History fans: it's time to get ready for a special High School Local History Smackdown! Not only is the competition in its 14^thyear, the National Park Service turns 100 in 2016: this competition promises to have some questions about the history of the two national parks in our backyard, as well as the agency that manages them.

The Smackdown offers Copper Country high school students the chance to test their knowledge of all things historical—including geography and geology—related to Keweenaw, Baraga, Ontonagon, and Houghton counties. Its format is similar to a spelling bee: teams of four players are asked short-answer questions about local history topics, which increase in difficulty as the rounds go higher. The contest features a double-elimination format—two wrong answers are out of play—but they are given the chance to pass on one question. This year's competition will pay special attention to Keweenaw National Historical Park, Isle Royale National Park, and the National Park Service, now celebrating its Centennial year.

All high-school age contestants are welcome to form their own teams at school or independent of school sponsorship;church groups, scouting groups or other youth groups are also welcome to participate. The registration deadline isThursday March 24, 2016, so now is the time to assemble a team!

Preparation can be formal or informal, but those that take time to study the sources may proceed farther in the competition. Questions are drawn from a variety of references, from books to websites, all listed on the Smackdown webpage below. However, those who simply want to be a part of a fun night of local history are still encouraged to participate.

The event will take place at the historic Calumet Theatre, located at 340 Sixth Street in Calumet, Michigan, at7:00 p.m.onThursday, April 28, 2016. It is part of the "Fourth Thursday in History" series sponsored by Keweenaw National Historical Park. For further information and to register teams contact Brian Hoduski at [phone] ore-mail us. Registration information and other details about the event will also be available soon atwww.nps.gov/keweunder Special Events.

For further information, including specific directions to this event, contact Keweenaw National Historical Park at [phone] or check the web atwww.nps.gov/kewe.