Out of an abundance of caution, Maryland Humanities has decided to convert our traditionally in-person Maryland History Day state contest to a digital contest this year. We also will push the date of the contest back to allow more time for school districts to make plans. The registration deadline for the state contest is now April 15. Unfortunately, review and feedback on student projects (known as electronic review) is no longer available as we shift to the digital contest.
First- and second-place winners—who will advance to the National History Day competition in June—as well as special prize winners will be announced as follows: Documentaries, Papers, and Websites on May 2; Exhibits, Performances, and Special Prizes on May 16. The registration deadline for the national contest remains May 19.
We are working with school districts to create a plan, however each district is unique and has different circumstances and challenges. We accept and support each district’s decisions involving the program. If your student’s project has advanced to a district contest that was not able to be held and you have not yet heard from your district coordinator, please reach out to your district for further information.
Maryland History Day is more than a contest. Its primary purpose is to teach students vital research skills that they demonstrate in a project. At this point in the year, all students have already received that most important benefit. They have expanded their skills and researched amazing people who broke barriers in history.
As we continue to work in these unprecedented times in living memory, we will explore opportunities for students to share their projects through social media, local media, or—eventually—in person to their peers and communities. We will post full details about the digital contest soon. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we proceed with our new plan.
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: Next year’s theme is Breaking Barriers.
- The statewide contest will be held at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
- District Competitions will be held throughout March and April.
- National History Day will be held June 14-18, 2020 at the University of Maryland, College Park.
Judge Registration is open. Register now!
By the Numbers
Maryland History Day Sponsors
