National History Day

2025 NHD Theme

The 2025 National History Day theme is Rights & Responsibilities in History. To study rights and responsibilities in history, we must ask questions. Watch the theme video to learn more about what questions are important to ask as you begin thinking about this theme.


Ready to get started?

Check out this guide to getting started with NHD. From choosing your topic, to conducting your research, to selecting your contest category, this guide covers it all. Click on the link to the left.

Selecting a Topic

U.S. history inquiry kits from MPT feature possible research topics spanning United States history and include primary and secondary sources.

Conducting Your Research

Understand the historical context of your topic with these recommendations for primary and secondary sources.

Organizing Your Notes & Sources

Keep track of the sources you use in your research, and credit them with a bibliography.