National History Day
is an annual project-based contest for students in grades 6-12. Students nationwide participate in a competition similar to a science fair but for history. The theme changes each year, but students exercise choice by selecting their own topic of interest to pursue as a class assignment, after school activity, or self-directed research. As the DC affiliate, the DC History Center runs a city-wide effort to provide access to relevant resources and content experts for students as they research, revise their work, and connect it to the year’s theme.
School-wide contests are managed by individual teachers and schools, and are held in January and February. In DC, students advance from the school, club, or homeschool level directly to the NHD in DC contest.
NHD Summer Intensive | August 5-7, 2025
This three-day professional development workshop provides educators of grades 6-12 with a crash course on launching and growing National History Day in classrooms and school communities! Co-facilitated by a veteran NHD educator and an educator new to NHD, this intensive will equip participants with the resources they’ll need to implement the program.
The intensive takes place at the DC History Center from August 5–7, 2025. Lunch is provided and participants are compensated for their time. Applications accepted on a rolling basis through July 13; priority deadline is June 29.
For Teachers, Students, and Parents
DC HISTORY CENTER’S LIBGUIDE ON NHD IN DC
This guide collates resources from locations across the District that will aid teachers and students in conducting research for National History Day in DC.
ZFAIR SITE FOR NHD IN DC REGISTRATION
NHD CONTEST RULE BOOK
A comprehensive guide to the National History Day contest rules.
THE GUIDE TO STUDENT RESEARCH AND HISTORICAL ARGUMENTATION
Created by the Library of Congress and National History Day, this this open-access guide is filled with hints, tips, and activities to encourage student inquiry and historical research.
NATIONAL HISTORY DAY RESOURCES FROM THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Explore primary sources related to your topic on this National Archives’ educator resources page.
“BECAUSE OF THE COLOR OF OUR SKIN”
A new resource created by and for teachers for instruction about 400 years of African American history.
Become a Judge
While most judges include humanities scholars, teachers, university and college professors, archivists, librarians, and museum professionals, anyone who wants to support students in this exciting learning experience may judge. You can play an important role by volunteering as a History Day judge—reviewing student projects, interviewing contestants, selecting the winners to advance to the national contest, and providing constructive feedback.
Registration for 2025 judges has now closed.
Volunteer
Registration for 2025 volunteers has now closed.
National History Day in DC has been made possible in part by funding from the Library of Congress, John T. Beaty Jr., and Jill Landefeld.
