This blog was updated on August 18, 2023. Visit this post for more information.
The DC History Center is thrilled to announce a major new addition to its K-12 lineup. Starting with the 2024-2025 school year, the DC History Center will serve as the District of Columbia affiliate for the National History Day program. Through this program alone, we will serve over 300 students and 35 teachers throughout the city’s public school and charter school system.
Despite its name, National History Day consists of a year-long, project-based program with local competitions across all 50 states, culminating in a national competition.
Students conduct their own original research and construct entries as an individual or a group in one of five categories: documentary, exhibit, paper, performance, or website. Similar to a science fair, students compete by presenting their entries to judges.
The program aims to further students’ understanding of historical issues, ideas, people, and events, in addition to teaching research skills.
Over 500,000 students nationwide participate in the annual program. The final spring event, the National History Day competition, brings together the top entries from each state to the University of Maryland College Park. On average, around 3,000 students travel from across the country to participate.
Please help us spread the word to DC social studies teachers!
The DC History Center also offers a free membership program for teachers, a monthly dedicated newsletter, and a range of professional development and field trip opportunities. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Senior Manager of Education Domonique Spear at education@dchistory.org with any questions.