The National History Day program includes a progressive contest cycle open to students in grades 6-12. District History Day events are normally held in March. Many schools have a local event prior to the district contest. District winners advance to the state events held at the Iowa Historical Building in Des Moines in late April or early May. The Junior Division State Events for 2008 will be held on Monday, April 28; the Senior and Youth Division State Events will be held on Monday, May 5. State winners advance to the national contest held in June at the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland.

Generally, the top two entries in a category advance to the next level of competition. Students in grades 6 through 8 participate in the Junior Division; students in grades 9 through 12 participate in the Senior Division. Participants may work individually or collaboratively in groups of 2 to 5. Youth Division students (grades 4-5) do not participate in the competitive event cycle but showcase their work in conjunction with Senior State History Day. (Those interested in the Youth Division should contact State History staff directly.)

Rules and Categories

Review the NHD Contest Rule Book for a complete description of program guidelines. 

Participants May Enter in the Following Categories

• Junior Paper (individual only)
• Junior Individual Exhibit
• Junior Group Exhibit
• Junior Individual Documentary
• Junior Group Documentary
• Junior Individual Performance
• Junior Group Performance
• Junior Web sites (individual and group combined)

• Senior Paper (individual only)
• Senior Individual Exhibit
• Senior Group Exhibit
• Senior Individual Documentary
• Senior Group Documentary
• Senior Individual Performance
• Senior Group Performance
• Senior Web sites (individual and group combined)

National History Day Evaluation Criteria

Volunteers that have an interest in history and education are asked to assess student work based on NHD’s Judging Criteria.  Students and teachers are encouraged to review the assessment materials to better understand the judging process. 

For assistance with interpreting the judging criteria as they relate to student work, read about “The History Day 6” under “Student Tips.”