For Teachers

The National History Day program provides teachers with an innovative teaching tool that instills important skills in a fun and engaging format.

History Day requires students to do the job of a historical detective. Participants must delve into primary sources, develop original historical conclusions, and present their work in a creative form. In short, National History Day is designed to revolutionize the teaching and learning of history. It also aligns with Common Core Standards.

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The Impact of History DayBar graph comparing NHD students to non-NHD students in different areas of competency.

History Day is not a contest, it’s a year-long learning experience that helps students discover skills of research, time management, group collaboration, historical analysis, and many other skills. National History Day published a report that details some findings on areas where students improve through participation in a History Day project. 

 

Resources

Teacher Google Drive
Maryland History Day produces a packet of teacher resources that you can use in your classroom! From overview to lesson plans, it’s all available through the Google Drive button below.
Class Visits and Professional Development
Want to bring in our outreach professionals to your classroom? Looking for continuing education credits? Visit the Class Visit and Professional Development Page for more information.
NHD Resources
National History Day produces a large number of Professional Development classes, webinars, and workshops for both teachers and students. We regularly post these on our social media and teacher e-news, but for a recent list, visit their website.

Teacher FAQs

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page to see the answers to teacher questions such as “Is there a sample timeline?” “How do I use this in a virtual setting?” and more.

Popular Documents

Thesis Development Worksheet Download Worksheet Google Drive
Topic Selection – “Narrow It Down” Download Worksheet Google Drive 
Exhibit Creation Download Exhibit Map Google Drive
     

Video Resources

  • Teacher Meetings

    Our meetings will follow you along in the History Day process and create a space for discussion among new and seasoned teachers. We aim for 45 minutes and you are welcome to drop in at any time. Use the links in the schedule below to register for upcoming meetings.

    Date Topic
    Wednesday, January 20 at 4pm Preparing for School-Level Showcases
    Wednesday, February 17 at 4pm Coaching Students to Use Feedback
    Wednesday, March 17 at 4pm Preparing Students for the State Contest
    Wednesday, April 28 at 4pm Reflections and Jamboard Session: How to Up Our Game for Next Year
    Thursday, April 29 at 7pm Community Conversation: History Day and the Culturally Responsive Project

     

  • Teacher Webinars

    Maryland History Day outreach staff produce pre-recorded webinars on our YouTube channel. See below for a link to the Maryland History Day playlist!

     

Teacher Testimonials

  • “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

  • “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

  • “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 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

  • “[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

  • “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 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

  • 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

  • “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 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

  • “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

  • “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

  • “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
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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.
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