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Students marching with a sign that reads "FEAR THE CHILE" at the NHD national contest opening ceremony

RESOURCES FOR NATIONAL HISTORY DAY STUDENTS AND PARENTS

Join NHD and explore a topic that excites you!

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RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS

STUDENT FEEDBACK

Three students posing with their medals at the NHD national contest

Lizzy McDonald: “I love National History Day because it pushes me to be better in everything I do. I have a huge sense of accomplishment knowing I have created, competed with, and been successful with three different projects during my time in NHD. My work ethic, self-discipline, and confidence have all improved, and I am so grateful for all the new opportunities National History Day has given me.”

Photo caption: Lizzy McDonald, left, celebrates winning the History of the U.S. Marine Corps award at the national contest with her partners, Isaac Beck, and Kylee Jones.

PARENTS WHO ARE EXCITED ABOUT NHD

Bria Petersen posing with her daughter and friend, who won medals at the NHD national contestBria Petersen: “The National History Day program gives students advanced academic and social skills that build a unique kind of confidence. When my daughter and her friend first decided to take on the challenge of designing a website research project I had my concerns about their success. It seemed like a large task for two junior high students with no serious research or web design experience. How wrong I was. This endeavor would instead result in both their individual, professional, and academic growth. Choosing a topic connected to one of their family members, they dove into the research, learning networking skills and gaining confidence in reaching out to museums, archives and historical societies for information and interviews. Initially nervous about contacting experts, both girls developed the ability to professionally present their ideas and confidently interview professionals and high-level individuals. As a parent it was exciting to watch them personally grow and hear the historical discussion around our house. NHD stretched their learning beyond the classroom to learn not just about history and research, but new skills in digital web design and professional writing, speaking, and presenting. Any student would benefit from this program.

Photo caption: Bria Petersen with Grace McWilliams and Genevieve Petersen at the national contest, where the girls won the special prize for the history of technology.

 

A group of students and teachers posing with awards at the NHD national contestAlicia Beck: “The National History Day competition is one of the most academically challenging competitions in the nation. I have five sons who have competed in this competition over the last seven years, and through the process of creating historically accurate, thorough, concise, and well developed projects, they have not only experienced high levels of emotional and intellectual growth, but they have also developed important interpersonal skills. My boys have learned how to reach out to experts in various fields, ask pertinent questions, and conduct interviews. Through the process of practicing for judges’ interviews and being a part of judges’ interviews, my boys have learned how to speak clearly and confidently, process thoughts quickly, and give concise, clear, relevant answers. My boys have learned how to collaborate effectively with others. Although very difficult at times, my boys have learned the value of humbling themselves and using constructive criticism for their benefit. Because of teachers who care about this competition and more importantly who care about the development of their students, my boys have learned to work hard and to take pride in their work. I can say with confidence that the National History Day competition has been the most beneficial educational activity my kids have ever been a part of, and I hope this competition continues on in our community and throughout the county for generations to come.”

Photo caption: Alicia Beck, right, celebrating at the national contest with teachers and students from Silver City.

NATIONAL HISTORY DAY

EVENTS, NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Image reads "WATCH NOW: 2024-25 Theme RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES with N.M. State Historian Rob Martinez" with a photo of Rob Martinez and NHD logos

CHOOSE YOUR NATIONAL HISTORY DAY TOPICS

We hope students are excited about their topics, but if you’re still searching for inspiration, check out this video featuring NM State Historian, Rob Martinez, where he dives into local topics with Rob Martinez on Rights and Responsibilities in NM History. Whether you’re exploring civil rights…

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Photo of Amy Page leading a teacher workshop. The screen at the front has a photo of Barbie and reads, "Barbie: Equality Rights and Marketing Responsibilities"

NATIONAL HISTORY DAY IN NEW MEXICO TEACHER WORKSHOP

What happens when educators from across New Mexico come together to ignite a passion for history in their students?  The answer lies in the success of the New Mexico Humanities Council’s (NMHC) recent “National History Day (NHD) in New Mexico Teacher Workshop.” Led by Amy Page, 2022 NHD Teacher…

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NATIONAL HISTORY DAY

Helping student historians and their teachers study the past to inform the present and shape the future.

ABOUT NATIONAL HISTORY DAY® (NHD):

NHD is a non-profit organization based in College Park, Maryland, that seeks to improve the teaching and learning of history. The National History Day Contest was established in 1974 and currently engages more than half a million students every year in conducting original research on historical topics of interest. Students present their research as a documentary, exhibit, paper, performance or website. Projects compete first at the local and affiliate levels, where the top entries are invited to the National Contest at the University of Maryland at College Park. NHD is sponsored in part by, HISTORY®, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Park Service, Southwest Airlines, the Crown Family Foundation, The Better Angels Society, the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, and the Diana Davis Spencer Foundation. For more information, visit NHD.org.

ABOUT NATIONAL HISTORY DAY® IN NEW MEXICO:

History Day in New Mexico is open to elementary, middle and high school students statewide. The program is organized and sponsored by the New Mexico Humanities Council. NMHC offers online and in-person professional development for teachers as well as student events.