What is History Day?
What is History Day?
Brief Overview
National History Day is a co-curricular program for students in grades 6-12, that focuses on hands-on research and analysis of a historical topic of their choosing. Students then present their findings in one of five project categories: a historical paper, website, documentary, performance, or exhibit. They can work as an individual or in groups of up to 5 students in every category but the historical papers category which must be done solo.
N.C. History Day is the North Carolina affiliate of the National History Day Program. Do not let the names fool you, History Day can work in any class subject with topics coming from any time period or place in the world. The only requirement for topics is that they connect to the annual theme which is chosen each year to help guide students in their research. The current school year's theme can be seen in one of the sections below.
Brief Overview
National History Day is a co-curricular program for students in grades 6-12, that focuses on hands-on research and analysis of a historical topic of their choosing. Students then present their findings in one of five project categories: a historical paper, website, documentary, performance, or exhibit. They can work as an individual or in groups of up to 5 students in every category but the historical papers category which must be done solo.
N.C. History Day is the North Carolina affiliate of the National History Day Program. Do not let the names fool you, History Day can work in any class subject with topics coming from any time period or place in the world. The only requirement for topics is that they connect to the annual theme which is chosen each year to help guide students in their research. The current school year's theme can be seen in one of the sections below.
Competition
Competition is an optional part of History Day. At competitions, students have the opportunity to have their work seen and are interviewed by a panel of judges to learn key presentation and interview skills.
Competition
Competition is an optional part of History Day. At competitions, students have the opportunity to have their work seen and are interviewed by a panel of judges to learn key presentation and interview skills.
The official first step of competition is the regional contest. Students then have the opportunity to qualify for the state and national contest levels. You can read more about North Carolina's regional competitions on our Getting Started page.
The official first step of competition is the regional contest. Students then have the opportunity to qualify for the state and national contest levels. You can read more about North Carolina's regional competitions on our Getting Started page.
Competitions are divided by two divisions - Senior Division (High School) and Junior Division (Middle School). Students also only compete against others in their division's project category (paper, website, performance, exhibit, and documentary) and project type (group or individual).
Competitions are divided by two divisions - Senior Division (High School) and Junior Division (Middle School). Students also only compete against others in their division's project category (paper, website, performance, exhibit, and documentary) and project type (group or individual).
Official Rule Book
If students are competing they must follow the official rule book available to download as a PDF here. A Spanish version of the rule book can be downloaded here. If students are doing this only at the school or class level, teachers are able to adapt the rules to fit their classes. However, if students decide to compete they must make sure they are rules compliant to have competitive success.
Official Rule Book
If students are competing they must follow the official rule book available to download as a PDF here. A Spanish version of the rule book can be downloaded here. If students are doing this only at the school or class level, teachers are able to adapt the rules to fit their classes. However, if students decide to compete they must make sure they are rules compliant to have competitive success.
2022-23 Annual Theme
The annual theme for the 2022-22 school year is Frontiers in History: People, Places, Ideas. The annual theme book can be downloaded here, and on this page is also the annual theme video. Both resources give ideas on topics and how students can approach the theme. A strong History Day project will connect to the theme throughout their project.
2022-23 Annual Theme
The annual theme for the 2022-22 school year is Frontiers in History: People, Places, Ideas. The annual theme book can be downloaded here, and on this page is also the annual theme video. Both resources give ideas on topics and how students can approach the theme. A strong History Day project will connect to the theme throughout their project.
2023 Theme Introduction Video
2023 Theme Introduction Video
This video is designed to show students as an easy introduction to the current year's theme.
Frontiers in History: A Teacher's Introduction with Dr. Kathleen Duval
Frontiers in History: A Teacher's Introduction with Dr. Kathleen Duval
This video is designed for teachers to help give more in-depth background information on the theme so that they can prepare for coaching their students.