Research Days

Do you want to find more primary sources? Are you curious about archives? Would you like help reading old papers? Research Days can help!

Research and Library Days are held throughout the state at Historical Societies, Museums, and Libraries. Depending on the session, they’ll cover topic selection, research process, and help you find specific sources. Many of the host sites are also good places to look for topics or inspiration early on in the process. Check out the table below for locations and dates, and go the host site website for more details!

Two young girls look at archival materials
Event Dates Address Description Click for Registration
Chronicling America: Historical Newspapers for National History Day September 15, 2022, 1:00 pm Virtual Explore the frontier and learn to use Chronicling America, a freely-available collection of historic American newspapers at the Library of Congress for research in this year’s National History Day theme “Frontiers in History: People, Places, Ideas.”

Register Online
Howard County Library System, Maximize Your History Day Research September 22, 2022, 7:00 – 8:30 pm Elkridge Branch, 6540 Washington Blvd Elkridge, MD 21075 Assigned a National History Day project? Our research experts have tips and tools for you. Meet history day judges, recent winners, and learn strategies to locate sources.

Register Online

 
Howard County Library System, Maximize Your History Day Research October 1, 2022, 3:00 – 4:30 pm Savage Branch, 9525 Durness Lane
Laurel, MD 20723

Assigned a National History Day project? Our research experts have tips and tools for you. Meet History Day judges and learn strategies to locate sources, then hear about statewide and local resources to help you on your NHD journey.

Registration required, parents welcome.

Register Online

 
Howard County Library System, Maximize Your History Day Research October 10, 2022, 6:30 – 8:00 pm Miller Branch, 9421 Frederick Rd
Ellicott City, MD 21042

Ages: 11-17, parents and guardians. Registration required. Please only register your student.

Assigned a National History Day project? Our research experts have tips and tools for you. Meet History Day judges and learn strategies to locate sources, then hear about statewide and local resources to help you on your NHD journey.

Register Online

 
Howard County Library System, National History Day Topic Development October 13, 2022, 7:00 – 8:30 pm Elkridge Branch, 6540 Washington Blvd Elkridge, MD 21075 Assigned a History Day project? Not sure about a topic? Join us for a workshop that delves into a wide selection of topics that fit the theme of Frontiers in History: People, Places, Ideas, through multiple lenses. Learn how to sculpt your topic to reveal its compelling human story.

Register Online

 
Howard County Library System, Maximizing Your History Day Research October 20, 2022, 6:00 – 7:30 pm East Columbia Branch, 6600 Cradlerock Way Columbia, MD 21045 Need help getting started on your National History Day Project? Join our area experts in the field for an in-person/online hybrid class to learn research tips and tools to make your project a success. Registration required.

Register Online

 
Howard County Library System, National History Day Thesis Workshop October 20, 2022, 7:00 – 8:30 pm Elkridge Branch, 6540 Washington Blvd Elkridge, MD 21075 A solid thesis is the foundation for any NHD project. Explore the theme Frontiers in History: People, Places, Ideas. Discuss ways to evolve a topic into a working thesis, then into a blueprint for an argument that examines the significance of an historical topic in relation to this year’s theme.

Register Online

 
Howard County Library System, National History Day (NHD) – Drop In & Group Workspace (grades 6-12)

October 24, 2022, 6:00 – 8:00 pm

 

November 8, 2022, 3:00 – 5:00 pm

 Central Branch, 10375 Little Patuxent Pkwy
Columbia MD 21044

Grades 6-12. Drop in.

Drop in for a space to work with your group on your National History Day (NHD) project. Ask questions and receive help from an NHD judge. Get help with research, topic development, thesis writing and more! Email central.teens@hclibrary.org with questions.

October 24th Session

November 8th Session

 
Event Dates Address Description Click for Registration
National History Day Student Research Appointment at the Maryland Center for History and Culture By Appointment 610 Park Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21201

Explore the library catalog of the Maryland Center for History and Culture to see what resources they offer. Found something related to your topic? Schedule an appointment with their staff to view Special Collections items in person. Research appointments are free for all students! 

To learn more about researching for NHD at the Maryland Center for History and Culture visit their NHD page.

 Register for a Research Appointment 

  • “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

  • “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

  • “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

  • “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 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

  • “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

  • “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

  • “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

  • “[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’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 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

  • “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

  • “[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

  • “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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