Outreach and Professional Development

Are you a relatively new History Day teacher or a veteran in need of a refresher course? The Maryland History Day team is here to help you!

Lia Özizmirli is just an email away! She and Outreach Assistant Emmie are happy to come visit your class to introduce Maryland History Day, or to help your students sharpen their existing skills. Request a classroom visit by contacting the outreach team through the form below.

Request Maryland History Day Outreach

Department leaders, supervisors, and administrators can also schedule professional development sessions to prepare their teachers for History Day through the link below.

Request Professional Development

Current Opportunities

2024 Summer Institute: Primary Sources and Project-Based Learning 

Maryland Humanities is pleased to offer two free, in-person summer teacher institutes funded by the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources program. Participants will receive three MSDE CPD credits. All K-12 teachers, specialists, and librarians are welcome to apply. Space is limited; successful applicants will be notified.

Enduring Connections: Primary Source and Project-Based Learning at Salisbury University, July 8 to 12, 2024

Educators of grades 6 to 12 are invited to join us for a research experience with a focus on local history. This institute will center on a new project from the Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture, Enduring Connections: Exploring Delmarva’s Black History. Participants will do in-depth research using primary sources from the Nabb Center’s physical and online collections. Learn from local experts, get familiar with the National History Day research model, and complete a mini-research project to share with your students. Discover free teaching resources including Maryland Humanities’ TPS Inquiry Kits. Participants will receive complimentary breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as a $50 travel stipend. Optional on-campus housing will be available at $37 per night.

Primary Sources and Project-Based Learning at the National Archives Museum in Washington, D.C., July 22 to 26, 2024

We will welcome K–12 educators for a research experience focused on exploring the National Archives. Participants will choose a research topic and use primary sources from the National Archives’ physical and online collections. Learn about the National History Day 2025 theme (TBA) and complete your own mini-research project to take back to your classroom. Explore free teaching resources including DocsTeach from the National Archives and Maryland Humanities’ TPS Inquiry Kits. Participants will spend Monday, Tuesday, and Friday at the Archives, and will participate remotely on Wednesday and Thursday. Participants will receive complimentary lunch during onsite days, as well as a $50 travel stipend.

Questions? Email Lia Özizmirli at lozizmirli@mdhumanities.org.

Register for a 2024 Institute

Courses

Topic Description Length
Introduction to Maryland History Day Teachers will learn how to implement History Day in the classroom. They will review and discuss basic information on how to use the program. Teachers will also practice analyzing primary sources from the Library of Congress. 45-90 minutes
Analyzing Documents through Project Based Learning: Maryland History Day in the Classroom This 3 CPD credit online Thinkport course is an in-depth look at how to use the Maryland History Day program to increase student analysis skills. Teachers will produce a History Day project themselves, while creating a master plan for using Maryland History Day in their own classrooms. 6 weeks
Local Connection: Analyzing Documents in Maryland History Available as a short session, using Library of Congress resources, or as day-long PD session with multiple local experts. 45 mins-4 hours
Analyzing Historical Documents with English Language Learners and Emerging Readers: Using Maryland History Day in the Classroom Learn tips on using Maryland History Day to engage English Language Learners and Emerging Readers in document analysis. Teacher resources will be provided. 45-90 minutes
Primary Documents and Project Based Learning: Special Topics Teachers will analyze Library of Congress primary sources related to one particular subject. They will discuss how to use such sources in their classroom, and how students can create projects based on primary sources. 45-90 minutes
Maryland History Day: Advanced

Explore Maryland History Day in depth with Outreach staff.

Discuss tips for developing topics, research, writing theses, and creating projects.

 45-90 minutes. Also available as an all day workshop.

  • “Maryland History Day challenged my daughter to go deeper, deeper in research analysis and presentation. It took her to a whole new level academically.”

    ​Maryland History Day parent

  • “[The students] learned a variety of ways to present their material and they could focus on what they wanted to learn about. The students had a choice in their learning. It was about their learning NOT what someone else felt they need to learn.”

    ​Maryland History Day teacher

  • “[My son] became a real expert in his topic and, he says, developed a life-long love of history, especially the history of music. I cannot thank you enough for this rare and incredible opportunity.”

    Andrea LeWinter, parent of Maryland History Day participant

  • “I think the continual process of improving her research and presentation through the various levels of competition has been incredibly valuable. It has caused her to dig deeper in her research and build upon and refine her work and presentation.”

    ​Maryland History Day parent

  • “History Day inspired me to become deeply invested in historical topics which I never thought I’d enjoy. It is an amazing experience that has the ability to make learning fun for everyone, no matter what you’re interested in.”

    Addie Skillman, National History Day Gold Winner

  • “History Day has taught men how to interpret and effective use primary sources in my writing to create and support claims. Now I am much more likely to explore databases, go to libraries, and explore further external sources for credible and effective sources.”

    Maryland History Day 2019 Student

  • “The part of History Day that had the most impact on me was seeing all the other entries and entry categories. It was really inspiring to see so many different people of history honored for their leadership and legacy as that was this years theme. You forget that the whole world has a history and there are so many different people and leaders who make up that history. The fact that this day brings together all of us students, our imaginations, our creativity, research skills, and history really reminds you how much of us would be lost if we didn’t remember those who made an impact.”

    ​Maryland History Day student participant

  • “By using a variety of sources, I was able to get angles on my topic that I wasn’t able to before. Also, I learned so much about a topic near and dear to my heart that will enrich my learning later in life.”

    Maryland History Day 2015 Student

  • “It provided an opportunity for my child to learn through experiential opportunities. He had interviews and tours that were relevant to his topic that helped the history come alive and create unforgettable memories.”

    Maryland History Day 2015 Parent

  • I’ve loved judging! It’s exciting to see the passion the middle schoolers have put in their projects. I hope that my critiques have helped strive for excellence throughout their lives.

    Dee Krasnansky, Maryland History Day Judge

  • “I had never done anything like this before so it was a totally new experience to write a paper, be interviewed, and defend my positions. I now really know how to do research and it has improved my writing skills.”

    ​Maryland History Day 2015 Student

  • “The students are now far more prepared for the high level of scholarship and achievement that will be expected of them in future years. MHD also elevated many other skills too. These include public speaking, the use of technology, learning to collaborate.”

    ​Maryland History Day teacher

  • “The researching and communicating skills have made me a more confident person in all academic endeavors. These are skills that will last me a lifetime.”

    ​Maryland History Day student participant

  • “I had never done anything like this before so it was a totally new experience to write a paper, be interviewed, and defend my positions. I now really know how to do research and it has improved my writing skills.”

    ​Maryland History Day student

  • “My students became more competent researchers, and took ownership of their work. They had total free reign to choose their topic, direct their research, and create their final project.”

    ​Maryland History Day 2015 Teacher
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