National History Day (or NHD) is more than just a class project. It’s your chance to be a historian, You will pick your own topic connected to the annual theme, find primary and secondary sources, and make your own argument about why your topic is significant in history. You will share your story through a format you enjoy: a paper, web site, exhibit, performance, or documentary.
The National History Day Process
The process of creating a National History Day (NHD) project is probably similar to other research projects that you’ve created, but on a bigger scale. This website is designed to walk you through the important steps you’ll take as you research, analyze, and present your historical conclusions. Everyone’s journey will be a little bit different, but here are a few important steps that everyone will take along the way:
How to Create a History Day Project: Step by Step
Learn about the NHD Theme.
Choose your topic.
Decide which competition category you will enter.
Research your topic.
Create your project.
Complete your Process Paper.
Complete your Annotated Bibliography.
Register to compete.
Read the Rules
Before you begin work on an entry for competition, you and your parents should carefully read the National History Day Rule Book. More than a list of rules, this is your essential guide in creating your entry and will answer most of your questions.
Complete your Process Paper and Annotated Bibliography. Learn more about these in the NHD Rule Book. Students should bring 4 copiesof each to the competition.
Register for your local competition. Your first competition may be at your school or district. Registration for Utah’s ten regional contests opens January 1. Look for your contest dates and deadlines here.