National History Day, NHD, National, History, Day, | Wisconsin Historical Society

National History Day - Home

  • Welcome to National History Day in Wisconsin! Whether you are a student, teacher, parent, or volunteer explore this website and learn more about the program. For more information, contact our office!

 
History Maker Space. National History Day 2024. Turning Points in History, 50 year anniversary of NHD.

 


 

 

What is National History Day?

National History Day is more than a day; it is a process, a creative outlet, and a confidence-building experience. This is an opportunity to think beyond the textbook in your social studies classroom and develop a memorable project.

Any questions? Please email us! historyday@wisconsinhistory.org

WHAT is NHD?

The program: National History Day is more than just a day; it is an academic enrichment program for 6th-12th graders. Kids all across the country (and world) create NHD projects.

The project: Students can research any type of history and create a project. Encourage them to:

    • Choose whatever kind of history they are interested in: sports, war, music, cultural, environmental, political, etc.
    • Pick how they want to show their information: exhibit, website, documentary, paper, or performance.

The competition: Competing is optional. If your student decides to compete, there are different levels of competition.

      • School level (optional): if your child’s whole grade level or class participates, the teacher may host an afterschool event to pick which projects advance.
      • Regional level: Wisconsin hosts regional events based on county. Email us to ask where your student’s regional is located.
      • State level: Each regional sends the top 3 entries in each category to compete at the University of Wisconsin—Madison. This contest is always in early to mid April.
      • National level: The top winners from every state (and some countries) compete at the University of Maryland campus.

Please Note: Websites, documentaries and paper projects are submitted earlier than other projects because proper judging of these categories requires advanced viewing.

Where are these Contests?

Our Recent News - Keep Up to date

Jan. 2023- Updated Guide to 2023 NHD in WI is available for the 2023 Contest Season!

Oct. 2021- Updated Teacher Materials available. Click here to view!

Oct. 2021- NHD 101: How to Organize Your Project classroom workshops available to be booked.         Click here to find out more or email us at historyday@wisconsinhistory.org to book!

Oct. 2021- Teacher Workshop:Primary Sources on Nov. 10. Register here!

Aug. 2021 - New theme materials available! Click here to learn about this year's theme, Debate & Diplomacy in History.

Oct. 2020 - Virtual Project Guide Now Available! Click Here to view PDF.

July 2020 - New Rule Book! Click here for updated rules, including:

  • Process papers now required for Paper category
  • No weapons (real or replica)
  • Historical Argument now required in process paper
  • and more!

 


 

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