Competition

National History Day Contest

National History Day (NHD)

Recognition At the National Contest, the top three entries in each contest category receive awards, plus special prizes.
Deadline See sponsor site Not yet published; confirm on sponsor site

A year-long historical research competition in which students in the Junior (grades 6-8) and Senior (grades 9-12) divisions create theme-based projects — documentary, exhibit, paper, performance, or website — and advance from school to regional/affiliate contests, with top entries invited to the National Contest.

Eligibility

Grade levels
Middle school, High school
Citizenship
Any
Fields of study
Humanities, Social sciences, Research

Application requirements

  • Choose a project category (documentary, exhibit, paper, performance, or website) and a topic tied to the annual theme
  • Compete at your school-level contest
  • Advance to your regional/affiliate contest: Registration fees for these local rounds are set by each affiliate.
  • Top affiliate entries are invited to the National Contest: 2027 National Contest: June 13-17, 2027, University of Maryland, College Park.

Verified Jul 6, 2026 · View official source