National History Day

National History Day is a great program to help students practice research and critical thinking skills, elements important to their future in the workplace and school. The Historical Society of Pennsylvania supports NHD through research assistance in the classroom and after-school, teacher professional development, and travel grants to help winners attend competitions.. 

NHD is actually a year-long educational program proven to increase test scores and thinking skills for the thousands of middle and high school students from across the United States who participate. Each year students chose topics related to a theme.  The theme for for National History Day 2012 is Revolution, Reaction, and Reform in History. 

After researching their chosen topic, participants gain first-hand experience producing a documentary, exhibit, essay, performance, or website to submit in a local contest. The winners move on to a state competition. Those winners move on to the national competition in Washington.