Junior Trio Looks for All-State History Honors

Jessica Bree, Emely Herrera Rivas and Heileen Torres are taking aim at All-State honors in the group website category as the three Huntington High School sophomores prepare for the State History Day finals on April 14 at SUNY Oneonta.

The three research partners won first place at the Long Island regional finals at Hofstra University for their group website titled “The Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906: The Reinvention & Enhancement of the Food Industry.”

This year’s National History Day theme is “Turning Points in History.” This theme must be incorporated into all aspects of every project.

“Prior to our knowledge of this year's theme, we were set on the idea of exploring the history of NASCAR,” wrote the trio in a process paper that accompanies their website. “However, subsequent to being informed of the 2024 category, complications arose when attempting to find reliable sources. We decided to broaden our horizons and pursue a new topic. After brainstorming, we were assisted by our teacher and were suggested The Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906. Thus, we conducted additional research on the legislation and were hooked from the start. The Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 was a pivotal [legislative] enactment due to its advancements in converting food regulation laws, then creating the first consumer protection agency.”

The Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 is a complicated piece of legislation with many aspects and to it and consequences because of it. “We utilized various resources including databases, websites, videos, quotes and books to strengthen our claims and further our research,” wrote the trio in the process paper. “Initially, we analyzed ‘The Jungle’ by Upton Sinclair, a novel which advocates against the unsanitary conditions within the meat-packing industry. ‘The Jungle’ enhanced our knowledge of The Pure Food and Drug Act. For example, we learned about Harvey Wiley, a major contributor who pushed this legislation. Moreover, we discovered how the act evolved into the Food and Drug Administration and expanded our knowledge.”

Members of the research trio had previous experience developing a website for the National History Day initiative so they chose to do it again as the vehicle to deliver their project findings.

“We prefer a digital approach when compiling this project, as it is more organized for us as a group,” the sophomores wrote in their process paper. “To construct our website, we carefully selected sources which corresponded to each following page. A mixture of primary and secondary sources, combined with complimentary decoration, allows our website to flourish.”

The research trio found that The Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906, represented “a critical turning point in history by correcting the gruesome state of the commercial industry,” states the process paper. “This act ensured improved conditions of the labor force, commercial goods, and overall human health. Previously, food products could contain harmful chemical additives such as borax. Due to the crucial nature of The Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906, the legislation is confirmed as a ‘Turning Point in History.’”

The competition at State History Day is expected to be fierce, but the Huntington teenagers expect to be in the running for All-State honors.

“Prior to the Act, consumer goods were adulterated with hazardous supplements,” the trio’s process paper states. “The Pure Food and Drug Act improved the health of consumers, because it regulated the manufacturing and transportation of consumer foods and drugs. Consequently, The Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 developed into the Food and Drug Administration. The goal of the FDA is to protect public health by regulating everyday commodities. The FDA regulates many products used today in the life of Americans.”