Maryland History Day

Where else could 31,000 students have so much fun, they forget how much they’re learning?

For middle and high school students who participate, Maryland History Day sparks critical thinking, and helps develop skills in research and analysis, writing, and public speaking.

Working solo or in small groups, students create original documentaries, exhibits, performances, research papers or websites exploring a breadth of historical topics within an annual theme. Students progress through competitions at the school, district, state, and national levels. Students from public, private, parochial, home, and cyber schools are welcome to participate.  District contests are held throughout Maryland every February and March.

2024 Maryland History Day

  • Theme: Turning Points in History
  • April 3, 2024: Registration closes for Maryland History Day
  • April 10, 2024: Project Upload Deadline
  • May 4, 2024: Maryland History Day Contest, UMBC
  • June 9-13, 2024: National History Day
Get information about Judging
Are you interested in judging for Maryland History Day? Visit this section of our website to get information, resources, and to access the registration link!
Interested in a Class Visit or Professional Development?
Maryland History Day outreach staff members will be happy to work with your students to go over research, the project process, and other History Day Topics. Our two outreach staff can also schedule professional development sessions for teachers.
Looking for your local contest?
Find the date, location, and who to contact about Maryland History Day in your county.
Choosing a Maryland History Day topic in American History, American Government, or World History?
Check out our themed History Inquiry Kits to get a head start on primary sources. These 180+ American History and World History Inquiry Kits allow students to select a topic and evaluate primary sources from the Library of Congress. From early cultures to the modern-day role of the United States, the kits examine social studies/history themes and are great starter kits for Maryland History Day project investigation. Click here to get started at Thinkport.org/TPS.

By the Numbers

  • ​22
    districts participating in Maryland History Day
  • 200
    schools participating in Maryland History Day
  • 523
    educators participating in Maryland History Day
  • 25,404
    students participating in Maryland History Day

Maryland History Day Sponsors

Maryland State Department of Education logo
Thalheimer-Eurich_Fund_logo_for_web
Columbia Gas of Maryland logo
Wegmans_logo

  • “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

  • “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

  • “My students went deeper with primary and secondary sources than ever before. They used critical thinking skills and applied the transfer goals and essential questions on a deeper level than they could have in class. It challenged them to think deeper and defend their findings.”

    Maryland History Day 2019 Teacher

  • “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 thing that had the most impact were the skills that I got from this project. I developed better hunting skills in terms of looking for reliable sources and I also learned to work hard and not procrastinate to achieve something great.”

    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

  • “[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

  • “MHD illustrated the applicability of the study of history to contemporary issues and current events. It was very motivating to converse with the students about their historical topic and observe how they applied it to current events and their own life circumstances.”

    ​Maryland History Day parent

  • “We were very impressed with the depth of research all the students did for their History Day projects. It was fun to see them interacting with each other during the competition and events.”

    Lori and Josh Skillman, History Day Parents

  • “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

  • “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

  • “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

  • “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
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