NHD Participant
We're in the process of updating our website! Learn more about what that means and how you can help create history..
National History Day in Wisconsin
Bring Your Passion
For History To Life
What is NHD?
National History Day is more than a day: It’s a process, a creative outlet, and a confidence-building experience. It's an opportunity to think beyond the textbook in your classroom and develop a memorable project, with options for students to share their research and compete in contests.
Visit Official NHD SiteWhy NHD?
-
Develops research, speaking, and critical thinking skills.
-
Helps teachers meet Wisconsin Standards for Social Studies.
-
Supports best practices by integrating the disciplines of art, writing, and other social sciences.
-
Easily content-adaptable for any subject and grade-level requirement.
-
Caters to various interests and abilities of students.
Program
National History Day is an exciting, energizing academic enrichment program for 6th-12th graders. With a flexible timeline and adaptable activities, the program allows students to develop skills in communication, project management, and historical thinking. Students participating in NHD contests also receive valuable feedback on their research, practice speaking and presenting, and have a chance to move on to the next level of competition.
Project
Kids all across the country (and world!) create NHD projects. National History Day encourages participants to research and share their work on any type of history they like. Whether it's sports, music, cultural, environmental, or political history, it's up to you to decide how to share it. Project formats include exhibits, documentaries, papers, websites, and performances.
Competition
Competing is optional! NHD offers four different competition levels:
Across Wisconsin
School Level
Optional
If the entire class or grade participates, teachers may host school events to choose advancing projects. Students can practice and refine their skills at these optional events.
Across Wisconsin
Regional Contests
Feb - Apr
Regional contests take place across Wisconsin, based on county, giving students the opportunity to share their dedicated research results and gain the opportunity to advance to the State contest.
Madison, WI
The State Contest
April
The State Contest lets students test projects before bigger audiences and meet young learners statewide. Each region sends top three entries per category to State competition.
College Park, MD
National Contest
June
After spending months on project research and preparation, top winners from every state — and some countries — get to share their work at a national level.
National History Day taught me valuable research skills, how to be self-reliant, interview techniques, writing a quality thesis and the impact 500 words can have.
Contact Us
We're Here to Help
The Wisconsin National History Day office is available to answer any questions you have!
Email UsRegional Coordinators
WisHistory Education
History matters! The Wisconsin Historical Society provides field trips, learning opportunities, civics education programs, teacher professional development and more.
Explore Educational Resources
Go to top
