Contest Rules

Please note that multiple updates and changes have been made to the rulebook.  The most recent rulebook came out June 2021 and applies to all 2022 History Day contests.  To download the most recent version of the contest rules, please visit https://nhda.fyi/NewRulebook

National History Day^®(NHD) is a non-profit education organization based in College Park, Maryland. NHD offers year-long academic programs that engage over half a million middle- and high-school students around the world annually in conducting original research on historical topics of interest. Since 1974, NHD has continuously improved history education by providing professional development opportunities and curriculum materials for educators. The largest NHD program is the National History Day Contest that encourages more than half a million students around the world to conduct historical research on a topic of their choice. Students enter these projects at the local and affiliate levels, with top students advancing to the National Contest at the University of Maryland at College Park.

What to Expect During the contest - Schedule subject to change

8:30-9:00 Students will set up Exhibits

9:00 - 9:50 Judges will view exhibits, documentaries, and review papers and websites

9:50-10:20 Judges will interview students

10:20 - 10:50 Judges deliberate

11:00 Awards Ceremony

Judge Criteria

Historical Quality (60%)
Historical accuracy
Historical context
Analysis and interpretation
Use of available primary sources
Wide research
Balanced research

Relation to Theme (20%)
Clearly relates to theme
Demonstrates significance of topic in history and draws conclusions

Clarity of Presentation (20%)
Presentation, written materials are original, clear, appropriate, organized and articulate
Entry is organized; visual impact is appropriate to topic