About

National History Day (NHD) is a year long program where students choose a topic related to an annual theme and conduct deep historical research. The 2026 contest theme is designed to help students find topics across local, national, or world history. Students can present their research in one of five categories: historical paper, documentary, exhibit, performance, or website. Historical papers must be individual projects, while the other categories allow groups of two to five students. The competition follows a tiered structure, progressing from local school contests to district, regional, state, and national levels. Top projects may advance to the International contest. Regional contests may charge a fee, such as the $15 fee observed in Indiana. Winners are eligible for special subject-specific prizes and potential travel grants. The competition uses a criteria-based judging system, emphasizing historical accuracy, relation to the theme, and clarity of presentation.