Students march in the NHD Parade at the National Competition

Welcome to your National History Day journey! 

Each year more than half a million students participate in the National History Day Contest. Students choose a historical topic related to the annual theme, and then conduct research using primary and secondary sources. You will look through libraries, archives and museums, conduct oral history interviews, and visit historic sites. After you have analyzed and interpreted your sources, and have drawn a conclusion about the significance of your topic, you will then be able to present your work in one of five ways: as a paper, an exhibit, a performance, a documentary, or a website.

Whether you have participated NHD in MA projects before or will be creating your very first project, we have all the tools that you need for success. We will guide you through the steps of creating a project, from learning about the annual theme, to research, to designing your project and presenting at a contest.  You can also check out the NHD Nationals "Get Started" Page for helpful resources.

Looking for info on the Massachusetts Regional and State Contests? Visit our Contest Info page!

Who Can Participate?

Any Massachusetts student in grades 6-12 can participate in NHD in MA. Students in public schools, private schools, and home schools participate, and you are eligible to compete in the Massachusetts competitions as long as you live in and attend school in Massachusetts.

Some students participate in NHD as part of history or civics class. Others do NHD as an independent project, through an after school club, or for extra credit. No matter your reason, creating a project for National History Day in Massachusetts can help you learn history and new skills!

Help! I Have a Question

Have questions about how to participate in NHD Massachusetts?  Looking for help with your project?  Confused about how to register?  No problem!  Email your NHD Program Coordinator Alexandra Moleski at nhd@planetaprodental.com.