Resources For Students

National History Day Resources

The National History Day website is a great tool to guide your research. Here are some useful resources you can find there:

• NHD Theme Book – This changes every year for the theme. It includes a narrative that invites you to think deeper about the theme, as well as topic suggestions and articles by scholars.
• NHD Rule Book – Want to know exactly how the judges do the word counts on exhibit boards? Need the details on time limits, costumes, or using the first person in papers? The NHD rule book should be first in your reading for competition details.
• Guidelines for Conducting Interviews – While an interview is not required for projects, you may want to include one in your project creation. Use this page for etiquette, guidelines, and the distinction between primary and secondary sources.
• Project Examples – These examples, while not the only way to success, may give you some inspiration or help you see how other students have created their project.
• Ask The Expert! – NHD Produced this series with NEH researchers, giving tips and tricks for categories and creating your project. See what they say!
• Creating the Annotated Bibliography – If it’s your first time or your fifth, creating a bibliography is difficult! Keep this guide handy while you’re writing your entries and annotations.