National History Day
Calling all scholars and educators!
The annual National History Day contest is an opportunity for students in grades 6-12 to explore history and share their skills. Students choose their own topic from history connected to the annual theme and create a presentation to enter the competition. NHD offers a chance for students to engage in the process of research and creating a project to share their work in the form of a paper, performance, documentary, exhibit, or website.
The Hart Cluett Museum supports students and teachers with access to primary sources and research guidance.
Students have the opportunity to win awards and scholarships for their work!
Teachers— we’re here to support you! Contact the museum to schedule a workshop at the museum or in your classroom.
Are you competing? The Hart Cluett Museum’s research library and education team are available to help individuals and classes with their projects! Our research library offers free appointments for students.
Levels of Competition & Important Dates
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Students first compete in their regional history day.
Visit the New York State Museum’s website to learn more and register online.
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Students awarded first and second place in each category of their regional competition advance to the state contest.
Contest registration for students advancing after their regional history day contest opens March 30, 2025 and closes April 13, 2025.
Visit the New York State History Day website to register and learn more.
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Students advancing to the National Contest, registration opens on a date TBD. The contest takes place June 8-12 at the University of Maryland, College Park.
For registration and more information visit the National Contest website.
2025 Contest Theme: Rights & Responsibilities in History
“To continue the celebration of our 50th anniversary, NHD’s 2025 theme is Rights & Responsibilities in History. To study rights and responsibilities in history, we must ask questions. Who decides who has rights? Does everyone have the same rights? Who decides on the limits individuals should or should not have? Why? What led to establishing certain rights, and to whom were they given? How have people, governments, or institutions decided what parameters should be set to enforce responsibilities? How are such decisions justified?
The key to this theme is addressing BOTH rights AND responsibilities. These are two powerful forces in history, but one does not work without the other.”
Visit nhd.org for more information
Are you or your students participating in National History Day? Let us know!
Complete the form below if you have any questions
Capitol Region History Day Competition and Awards Ceremony
March 2025 (date TBD)
New York State History Day
Sunday, April 27, 2025.
National Contest
June 8-12, 2025