Participants conduct in-depth research and analysis on individual topics related to an annual theme and present their findings in one of 5 formats -- exhibit, performance, documentary, website, or paper -- designed to foster creativity and imagination. These presentations are evaluated by history, education, and other experts at a series of local, state, and national contests.

Annually, more than 2,600 Missouri students in grades 6-12 participate in local and regional competitions throughout the state, with more than 600 advancing to the state contest at the University of Missouri-Columbia in April. This year's theme is "Turning Points in History:  People, Ideas, Events." The state contest will be held on April 20, 2013 at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Each June, 60-70 Missouri students compete with more than 2,800 of the best and brightest from across America at the national contest in College Park, Maryland.  The national contest will be held June 9-13, 2013 at the University of Maryland, College Park.

What Is National History Day?

National History Day is a yearlong educational activity for grades 6 - 12 that encourages young people to explore history and teaches them to understand historical issues, ideas, people, and events.

NHD develops student skills in:

• research and writing
• problem solving
• investigation of primary source materials
• critical thinking
• discovery and analysis of Internet sources
• cooperative learning
• interviewing

Program participants conduct in-depth research on individual topics related to an annual theme. Advancing through local, regional, state, and national competitions, students present their findings in formats ranging from traditional research papers to museum-type exhibits, live dramatic performances, multimedia documentaries, and interpretive websites.

Why Participate?

Many different people participate in the NHD program:

• Students
• Teachers
• Colleges and Universities
• Libraries, Museums, and Archives
• Community Businesses

The NHD program serves as a vehicle to teach students important literacy skills and to engage them in the use and understanding of museum and library resources. The program inspires students to study local history, and then challenges them to expand their thinking and apply knowledge of local events to the national, or even worldwide scene. The program also teaches students to become technologically literate through the use of computer and Internet research methods, and the use of technologically advanced applications in their presentations.

"The true benefits from participating in National History Day go way past a certificate or medal. The program teaches kids the writing, analytical understanding, and reading comprehension skills that will make them a success in life, no matter what their career," states parent Susan Moose.

National History Day competition is June 9-13, 2013!!

Explore the National History Day website which offers even more useful information!