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National History Day Performance

When creating a project, students must select one of five National History Day competition categories: documentary, exhibit, historical paper, performance, or website.

Students who participate in National History Day contests compete in either the Junior Division (grades 6-8) or Senior Division (grades 9-12). Students may participate in the contest categories as individuals or in groups of two, three, four or five.

Category Guides

To see the entire category guide, click on the link.

• Documentary Category Guide

  A documentary may take the form of a videotape, slide show, Power Point presentation, or similar types of multimedia presentations. It uses images such as film, video, or photographs and audio such as music, excerpts from interviews, or voice-overs to present a topic.

• Exhibit Category Guide

  An exhibit is a visual representation of a topic and its significance in history, much like a small museum exhibit. Labels and captions should be used creatively with visual images and objects to enhance the message of the exhibit.

• Historical Paper Category Guide

  A historical paper is the traditional form for presenting historical research and interpretation. As an alternative to a research paper, students may choose to write an historically-based creative paper, such as a fictional diary or an epic poem. Please note: The historical paper category is for individual students only.

• Performance Category Guide

  A performance is a dramatic portrayal of a topic and its significance in history. It should be original and creative, not simply an oral report or a recitation of facts.

• Website Category Guide

  A project in this category features a computer-based presentation of student scholarship and interpretation, including media and illustrations in addition to student analysis. Students must use the NHD Website Editor, provided by NHD, to create and submit their websites for competition.

Have Questions?

Get helpful information and advice for National History Day in Wisconsin.

historyday@wisconsinhistory.org

Get answers to commonly asked questions.

Contact a Regional Coordinator

Find information on NHD for your region.