National History Day is an annual project-based contest for students in grades 6-12. Each year, over 2,000 DC students do in-depth research to create original documentaries, exhibits, performances, research papers, or websites exploring a breadth of historical topics within an annual theme.
National History Day (NHD) is an annual project-based competition for students in grades 6-12. Students select a topic of interest related to the year’s theme, and produce a paper, exhibit, performance, documentary, or website presenting the conclusions and evidence from their research and analysis.
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. Students advance from the school, club, or homeschool level to the NHD in DC contest in March. NHD in DC winners advance to the national competition in College Park, MD in June.
Taking place August 4-6, 2026, this three-day paid 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. We encourage early applications. Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis through May 31, or until all spots are filled. Submit before April 20 for priority consideration.
A comprehensive guide to the National History Day contest rules
Resources from across the District to aid teachers and students in conducting research
NHD Summer Intensive August 4-6, 2026 This three-day workshop provides educators of grades 6-12 with a crash course on launching and growing NHD in classrooms and school communities. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until May 31. Apply Today!
NHD Classroom Tools NHD materials developed by teachers for teachers
“Because of the Color of Our Skin” Teaching resource covering 400 years of African American history
Virtual Office Hours In the lead-up to school contests and citywide contest, our education team holds virtual office hours to give guidance on participating in NHD in DC.
Library of Congress Teaching With Primary Sources Trainings
Finding, Analyzing, and Constructing History: A Research Guide for Students Student guide to independent research and inquiry
NHD: WebCentral NHD’s website builder for student website projects
Guide to Student Research and Historical Argumentation A step-by-step guide to learning the process of historical research
National History Day Resources from the National Archives Explore primary sources related to your topic
Judges in academic fields can support students by reviewing projects, interviewing contestants, selecting winners for the national contest, and giving feedback. Contact nhd@dchistory.org for more information or sign up today to be added to the volunteer corps.
NHD in DC begins placing volunteers in February. Contact nhd@dchistory.org for more information, or sign up today to be added to the volunteer corps.
National History Day in DC has been made possible in part by funding from the Library of Congress.