U.S. Capitol Building, Washington D.C. Source: Library of Congress
National History Day
Every day is National History Day! History Day is a year-long program that culminates in a national contest in June in College Park, Md.
National History Day began in Cleveland in 1974 and expanded throughout Ohio and into surrounding Midwestern states. In 1980 it became a national program, and the New York State Historical Association in Cooperstown became the official New York State sponsor. In 1992 National History Day moved its headquarters to the Washington, D.C. area.
History Day is more than a contest; it is reforming the way history is taught and learned. The contest provides teachers with an innovative teaching tool and fosters students' enthusiasm for learning. In addition to the contest, NHD offers teacher workshops, summer student academies, summer teacher institutes, curricular materials and other resources for educators.
Nationwide, 700,000 students and 40,000 teachers annually participate in National History Day programs. Each year roughly 2,400 students and their parents and teachers gather at the University of Maryland, College Park for the week-long event. These enthusiastic groups come from all over the United States (all 50 states), Guam, American Samoa, Department of Defense Schools in Europe, and even Shanghai, China. The National History Day excitement can be felt across the campus. After spending months on research and preparing their projects, and competing at local and state contests, these students are eager to show their hard work at the national level. It's more than a day, it's an experience!
National History Day began in Cleveland in 1974 and expanded throughout Ohio and into surrounding Midwestern states. In 1980 it became a national program, and the New York State Historical Association in Cooperstown became the official New York State sponsor. In 1992 National History Day moved its headquarters to the Washington, D.C. area.
History Day is more than a contest; it is reforming the way history is taught and learned. The contest provides teachers with an innovative teaching tool and fosters students' enthusiasm for learning. In addition to the contest, NHD offers teacher workshops, summer student academies, summer teacher institutes, curricular materials and other resources for educators.
Nationwide, 700,000 students and 40,000 teachers annually participate in National History Day programs. Each year roughly 2,400 students and their parents and teachers gather at the University of Maryland, College Park for the week-long event. These enthusiastic groups come from all over the United States (all 50 states), Guam, American Samoa, Department of Defense Schools in Europe, and even Shanghai, China. The National History Day excitement can be felt across the campus. After spending months on research and preparing their projects, and competing at local and state contests, these students are eager to show their hard work at the national level. It's more than a day, it's an experience!
National History Day Website
2025 Contest Info.
Date: June 8-12, 2025
Location: College Park, MD (University of Maryland)
Registration Deadline: May 15, 2025
(Paper and Web Site entries are also due at this time)
Registration Fee: TBA
Late Registration Fee: TBA
Entry Limitations: Top two projects in each category from state contests qualify for national contest
Location: College Park, MD (University of Maryland)
Registration Deadline: May 15, 2025
(Paper and Web Site entries are also due at this time)
Registration Fee: TBA
Late Registration Fee: TBA
Entry Limitations: Top two projects in each category from state contests qualify for national contest
