Nation's Brightest Minds Compete at the Newseum

Newseum Sponsors National History Bowl on April 16

WASHINGTON, April 13, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Saturday, April 16, 2011, the Newseum will host the inaugural National History Bowl playoffs, the culmination of a daylong preliminary competition taking place at 20 sites around Washington, D.C. Four-person teams of high school students from around the country have competed in state-level competitions to secure their spots in the finals. Sixteen varsity and four junior varsity teams will compete in the single-elimination contest.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080919/NEWSEUMLOGO)

"The Newseum is excited to host the inaugural National History Bowl competition finals," said Barbara McCormack , director of education at the Newseum. "Each year thousands of students visit the Newseum to learn more about news reporting, the 'first rough draft of history.'"

This weekend's tournament is organized by the National History Bee and Bowl, an organization founded by David C. Madden to promote the study of history among young people. The competition has been a labor of love for Madden, a former 19-day "Jeopardy" champion and quiz bowl veteran.

"For years, spelling, geography, science and other subjects have had nationwide quiz competitions for students," said Madden. "Now it's history's turn to join in the fun, and the turn of American students to benefit from an exciting and educational tournament that will help to promote the study of history for years to come."

Both the Bee and the Bowl feature some of the brightest students from around the country competing for scholarships and prizes. The Bee is an individual competition, while the Bowl is a team-based event.

For more information on the National History Bee and Bowl, visit www.historybee.com and www.historybowl.com or contact David C. Madden at 201/661-3524 or director@historybowl.com.

About the Newseum

The Newseum — a 250,000-square-foot museum of news — offers visitors an experience that blends five centuries of news history with up-to-the-second technology and hands-on exhibits. Within its seven levels of galleries and theaters, the Newseum offers a unique environment that takes museum-goers behind the scenes to experience how and why news is made. Follow the Newseum on Twitter and Facebook.

SOURCE Newseum