National History Day is a non-profit organization based in College Park, Maryland that operates an annual project-based contest for students in grades 6-12. Today more than half a million students enter through local contests. They construct entries as an individual or a group in one of five categories: Documentary, Exhibit, Paper, Performance or Website. Students then compete in a series of regional contests with top entries advancing to state/affiliate contests. The top two entries in each category and division are invited to compete at the National Contest.
Use the links below to learn more about NHD
National History Day (Official Website)
What is National History Day?
Each year, more than half a million students, encouraged by thousands of teachers nationwide, participate in the NHD contest. Students in grades six through twelve choose historical topics related to a theme and conduct primary and secondary research through libraries, archives, museums, oral history interviews, and historic sites. They present their work in original papers, websites, exhibits, performances, and documentaries, which are judged first at the regional level. Winners from the regional competition move on to the state-level competition. The program culminates in the Kenneth E. Behring National Contest each June held at the University of Maryland in College Park.
Why should your students participate in NHD?
Participation in NHD not only helps students to analyze and understand history, but it also develops important skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, verbal and written communication, and presentation. Students develop positive character traits including confidence, high self-esteem, responsibility, and community engagement. The winners of our contest not only advance to the state competition, but they receive medals, certificates, and other prizes commemorating their achievements. We also give prizes for the best local history project, and the best school performance by category and overall. What’s more, NHD has exceptional teacher resources available to guide you along the way, including lesson plans, research support, and seminars.
Quick Facts about the competition at the University of Scranton:
· Saturday, April 10, 2021 “Communication in History: The Key to Understanding”
· Participating Counties: Luzerne (except Hazleton SD), Lackawanna, Susquehanna, Pike, Wayne, Wyoming, Monroe, and Sullivan
· Each contest brings about 200 students to compete in the region
· Event includes public presentations, exhibits, trivia contests, film screenings, historical reenactors, displays from local historical societies, and more!