"The world henceforth will be run by synthesizers, people able to put together the right information at the right time, think critically about it, and make important choices wisely."

~ E.O. Wilson, American Biologist, Pulitzer Prize Winner and Professor Emeritus Harvard

What Is National History Day?

A distinguished national program and the 2011 recipient of the National Endowment for the Humanities Medal of Honor, National History Day is a year-long program that helps student develop the following critical skills and abilities for their future:

• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Research and reading skills
• Oral and written communication and presentation skills
• Self-esteem and confidence
• A sense of responsibility for and involvement in the democratic process

NHD accomplishes this through history-based learning that is grounded in civics literacy.

Each year, thousands of middle and high school students and teachers across the United States participate in National History Day, a year-long educational program that culminates in a national contest every June. Students prepare original projects using primary sources and compete in a local contest. The winners move on to a state competition. Those winners move on to the national competition in Washington. Along the way, every participant gains first-hand experience conducting historical research and analysis and by producing a documentary, exhibit, essay, performance, or website. Through this journey of exploration students learn to synthesize information and develop balanced conclusions based on their findings.

• NHD Philly participation is completely free.
• NHD Philly is the perfect fit for classrooms and after school clubs.
• Students can let their creativity shine and choose their own mode of expression via websites, performance, documentaries, exhibits, or papers.
• NHD Philly supports students and teachers every step of the way and helps provide instruction and access to over two dozen world-renowned cultural institutions, archives, and libraries across the city of Philadelphia.

Experience the Philly competition through the eyes of Molly Thompson, a student at Abraham Lincoln High School.

Did you know? NHD Philly supports teachers every step of the process and organizes virtual and in-person mentoring for your classroom. NHD Philly partners from world-renown cultural and archival institutions can help your students narrow their topic, develop their thesis, and find primary sources!