Student Films: Democracy in Progress

The History Museum is proud to feature a selection of original National History Day student‑produced documentaries that relate to themes connected to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Eight National History Day students from New Mexico, ranging from sixth to eleventh grades, will have their films showcased, then following the filming, six of the students will talk about their projects. The program is included with museum admission.

The documentaries explore themes of freedom, democracy, revolution, reaction, and reform, offering insight into how today’s young people interpret the ideals and legacy of America’s founding documents. While the topics span national and global histories, each film reflects the issues that matter to young people in New Mexico and the connections they see between the past and the present.

Featured Documentaries and Filmmakers:

-Addysen Martinez, 6th grade, Farmington, "Yellow Dirt: The Hidden Cost of America’s Nuclear Revolution"

-Lillian Fowler and Lyla West, 9th grade, Santa Fe, "’We’re sick and tired of being sick and tired:’ Fannie Lou Hamer’s Revolution of Words"

Stevie Stone, 8th grade, Farmington, "The Revolutionary Shift: Title IX — A Reform for Gender Equality in Sports"

-Elysa Heil, 9th grade, Farmington, "Reel It In: The Battle Between the Hollywood Ten and Political Censorship"

-Grayson Boerio, 8th grade, Clovis, "How America’s Reaction to 9/11 Created Reform and Revolution in Our Nation’s Architecture"

-Violet Meiser, 11th grade, Sandia Park, "Leaveth Hope Behind"

-Alina Bonilla, 6th grade, Farmington, "Borders and Belonging: The Impact of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo"

-Sean Rodriguez-Wilson, 8th grade, Albuquerque, "Sued by a Mouse — Dan O’Neil and the Air Pirates"

All participating students developed their films as part of National History Day (NHD), a year‑long academic program engaging middle and high school students in historical research. In alignment with the national commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, NHD’s 2026 theme—Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History—encouraged students to examine independence, civic ideals, and transformative moments that have shaped our society.