National History Day (NHD) is an interdisciplinary project for individual or small groups of students in grades 6-12. Participating students will create a historical research project that is tied to the annual theme. The project will be undertaken throughout the school year, culminating in a school-wide contest when completed. Students’ submitted projects will be viewed by a panel of judges, and those selected will be able to progress to the regional, state, and national contests.
What does NHD teach students?
- Historical context
- Perspectives
- Analyzing primary and secondary sources
- Making a historical argument
- Chronological thinking
- Understanding change over time
- Understanding cause and effect - Historical Significance
- Inquiry
These skills allow students to think critically, analyze, evaluate, and interpret the past.
What types of projects can be created?
- Performance
- Paper
- Documentary
- Exhibit
- Website
NHD Information on Project Categories
Michigan History Day - District 1
In Michigan, the National History Day state contests are run by the Historical Society of Michigan. The District 1 competition is run by the Michigan Tech Department of Social Sciences and the Keweenaw National Historical Park. Students who do well at the District 1 contest can progress to the State Competition and even go on to the National Competition in Washington, D.C.
State Competition:
April 24, 2027, Saginaw Valley State University
National Competition:
June 13-17, 2027, University of Maryland, College Park