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Maryland History Day

Judy Dobbs - Program Officer

(410) 685-4185

Anna Keneda - Program Assistant

(410) 685-0452

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

2019 Maryland History Day

Theme: This year’s theme is Triumph and Tragedy.
The statewide contest will be held at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County on May 11, 2019.
District contests will take place throughout Maryland in February and March 2019.
National History Day will be held June 9-13, 2019 at the University of Maryland, College Park.

View THE 2018 Maryland History day WINNERS

View THE 2018 NHD Winners & Honorees from maryland

Choosing a Maryland History Day topic in American or World History?

Check out our themed History Inquiry Kits to get a head start on primary sources. These 120+ 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

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

Maryland History Day Sponsors

The Kinder Morgan Foundation

Maryland History Day Category Sponsors

“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 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
“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 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] 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
“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
“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
“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
“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’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
“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 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

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