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Maryland History Day

Stephanie Boyle, Program Officer

(410) 685-4185

Isabella Altherr, Program Assistant

(410) 685-0452

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Maryland History Day

Where else could 26,000 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.

2020 Maryland History Day

Theme: Breaking Barriers.

- View 2020 Maryland History Day Advancers and Special Prizes
- Views 2020 Teacher Awards

2021 Maryland History Day

Theme: Communication in History: The Key to Understanding.

Are you a Maryland History Day Alumn?

We want to reconnect with Maryland History Day students and families from previous years! Click here to fill out the interest form.

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

“[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 2015 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
“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
“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
“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
“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
“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
“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
“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
“The excitement of the research was wonderful for my students’ academic progress. They now feel capable of doing any research paper that may be assigned in college!”

Maryland History Day 2019 Teacher
“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
“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
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
“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

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