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, taking place this year on March 15, 2025.
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.
2025 NHD THEME BOOK: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN HISTORY
Information about how to approach this year’s “Rights and Responsibilities in History” theme, including a feature on teaching rights and responsibilities through art at the National Gallery of Art.
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.
“BECAUSE OF THE COLOR OF OUR SKIN”
A new resource created by and for teachers for instruction about 400 years of African American history.
VIRTUAL OFFICE HOURS
Looking for more guidance on participating in NHD in DC? Join Manager of Education Vanessa Williams during her virtual office hours, held Wednesdays* at 4pm ET through January 2025! Email nhd@dchistory.org to confirm your attendance.
*No office hours on 12/25 or 1/1
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 2024/2025 Judges will open in January 2025. Contact nhd@dchistory.org for more information.
Volunteer
DC History Day is now accepting volunteers for the 2025 program. Contact nhd@dchistory.org for more information.
National History Day in DC has been made possible in part by funding from the Library of Congress; John T. Beaty Jr.; the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy Demands Wisdom and HumanitiesDC; and Jill Landefeld.
