Students

Why should students participate in the National History Day program?
History Day equips students with valuable, college ready skills they will use the rest of their lives:

Critical thinking
Mastering research skills
Meeting a variety of professionals in interdisciplinary settings, from historians, educators, librarians, and archivists to historical participants with a unique story to tell
Preparing for interviews and other public speaking experiences
Gaining expert knowledge in historical subjects
Discovering, analyzing, and interpreting a variety of sources
Develop confidence as they express what they learn in an original way

How does the History Day process work?
Students conduct research, using primary and secondary resources, and then analyze the information, in light of an over-arching historical theme or question. Guided by a teacher, coach, or parent, students can express what they have learned in a variety of creative ways, as individuals or in groups, through original dramatic performances, documentaries, research papers, websites, or three-dimensional exhibits, students develop key life skills and an appreciation for their place in history.

To explore a topic’s historical importance, you have to answer the question, “So what?” You must address questions about time and place, because and effect, change over time, and impact and significance. Always try to do more than just describe what happened. Draw conclusions about how the topic affected individuals, communities, other nations and the world as a whole. This helps give your research historical context.1

Whether you’re focusing on a well-known event in world history or a little-known individual from a small community, you should place your project into historical perspective, examine its significance in history, and show development over time. All studies should include an investigation into available primary and secondary sources, analysis of the evidence, and a clear explanation of the relationship of the topic to the theme.2

1. NHD, Rights and Responsibilities Theme Sheet, NHD, 2013
2. Ibid.