Maryland History Day

Where else could 27,000 students have so much fun, they forget how much they’re learning?

Influencing the future through discovering the past.

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, home, and cyber schools are welcome to participate.  District contests are held throughout Maryland every February and March.

2018 Maryland History Day

View THE CATEGORY WINNERS at 2018 MARYLAND History Day

View THE Teacher and Special Prize WINNERS at 2018 MARYLAND History Day

By the Numbers

  • ​22
    districts participating in Maryland History Day
  • 200
    schools participating in Maryland History Day
  • 395
    educators participating in Maryland History Day
  • 27,013
    students participating in Maryland History Day

Maryland History Day Sponsors

Maryland State Department of Education logo
Old_Line_Bank_logo
Murray_Foundation_logo
The Kinder Morgan Foundation

Maryland History Day Baltimore City Sponsor

The Alvin and Fanny B. Thalheimer Foundation logo

Maryland History Day Category Sponsors

Columbia Gas of Maryland logo
Wegmans_logo

National History Day Security Statement

The National Contest is held on the campus of the University of Maryland. We abide by the policies and protocol of the University in regards to all safety and security situations.

In light of recent events around the world, and here at home, National History Day® has addressed the concern of security with the University of Maryland Police Department. The University is a large public institution surrounded by a vibrant and diverse community. Security is of paramount concern and the University of Maryland has taken aggressive action in response to the recent tragedies to ensure safety both on and off campus. Out of an abundance of caution these steps are not being made public.

The University of Maryland also offers a number of resources for visitors, students, faculty, and staff. The one most relevant to those attending the National History Day Contest is the 24 hour escort. The University of Maryland Police Department provides an escort service for anyone when walking across campus. If you would like an escort, please call the University of Maryland Police Department at 301-405-3555. For more information about campus security resources, please visit http://www.umpd.umd.edu/services/index.cfm#campus.

  • “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

  • “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

  • “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

  • “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’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

  • “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

  • “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

  • “[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

  • “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

  • “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

  • “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

  • “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

  • “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

  • “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
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About Us
Maryland Humanities is a statewide, educational nonprofit organization that creates and supports educational experiences in the humanities that inspire all Marylanders to embrace lifelong learning, exchange ideas openly, and enrich their communities.
Maryland Humanities
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Baltimore, Maryland 21201-4565
(410) 685-0095
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info@mdhumanities.org
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