Definition
The Concord Review is a quarterly academic journal that publishes original historical research essays written by secondary‑school (high‑school) students. It aims to promote rigorous historical scholarship among young scholars and to provide a venue for the dissemination of their work.
Overview
Founded in 1994 by Dr. William H. Schubert, a history professor at Concord Academy, The Concord Review is headquartered in Concord, Massachusetts, United States. Each issue contains a selection of student essays covering a broad chronological and thematic range—from ancient civilizations to contemporary history. The journal is distributed primarily to educators, colleges, and libraries, and it is also available in digital format to subscribers and participating schools. In addition to publishing essays, The Concord Review administers several awards and scholarship programs that recognize outstanding student research.
Etymology / Origin
The title derives from the city of Concord, Massachusetts, where the journal was established. The word “Review” follows the traditional naming convention for scholarly periodicals that provide critical evaluation and presentation of research.
Characteristics
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Audience | Secondary‑school students (typically grades 9‑12) and the academic community interested in youth historical scholarship. |
| Content | Original, student‑authored research essays (approximately 5,000–10,000 words), book reviews, and occasional editorial pieces. |
| Peer Review | Submissions undergo a rigorous editorial review by professional historians and educators to ensure scholarly standards. |
| Frequency | Published four times per year (quarterly). |
| Selection | Essays are selected based on originality, depth of research, use of primary sources, and adherence to academic citation standards. |
| Awards & Scholarships | Includes the National History Essay Competition, the William H. Schubert Prize, the National History Award, and other merit‑based scholarships awarded to contributors. |
| Distribution | Printed copies are mailed to subscribing institutions; electronic versions are accessible through the journal’s website for members and participating schools. |
| Impact | Recognized as a leading venue for pre‑college historical research; many contributors later pursue advanced degrees in history or related fields. |
Related Topics
- Historical Research – Methodologies and practices used in investigating past events, which are central to the essays published in The Concord Review.
- Secondary‑School Academic Journals – Other periodicals that provide platforms for high‑school students to publish scholarly work (e.g., The Scholastic Review, The Young Historian).
- William H. Schubert – Historian and educator who founded The Concord Review; notable for his contributions to history education.
- History Competitions and Scholarships – Programs such as the National History Essay Competition that recognize and support student research.
- Concord Academy – The private secondary school in Concord, Massachusetts, with which the journal’s founder was affiliated.
All information presented reflects verifiable sources available up to 2024.