The Historical Society of Pennsylvania is the proud home of NHD Philly, National History Day's local affiliate contest. NHD Philly is completely free for all Philadelphia schools, and HSP is there for teachers and students every step of the way. 

PARTICIPATING IN NHD Philly IS EASY, FUN, AND FREE! But what will students actually be doing?

1. Pick a topic. Students can pick any historical topic that interests them for their NHD project! The only thing to do is make sure that you can use your topic to explore 2024's theme "Turning Points in History." Don't worry about this limiting your ability to choose, however; a turning point can be any idea, event, action, person, or group that directly or indirectly causes change.

2. Choose a project type. Students can decide what kind of project they want to create, and work independently or in a group! Students can create exhibits, make websites or documentaries, develop a performance, or write a paper! You get to decide the way this story is told.

3. Research. National History Day projects must include primary sources. Did you know that HSP has over 21 million different items in its collection? That is millions of potential primary sources, and we can help you find the ones you need.

4. Work, Edit, Repeat. Continue to hone your thesis and develop your project. Need help? HSP can help refine your topic scope or put you in touch with dozens of museums and libraries from across Philadlephia whose staff are eager to help and whose collections are open for research!

5. Compete! Make sure that you have a sponsoring teacher to register you and your project for the competition. Then, join us and students from across Philadelphia on March 6th and March 7th, 2024 at the National Constitution Center, where your projects will be seen by your peers, your supporters, and NCC visitors alike! Projects are judged by expert volunteers who will help provide tips and advice that will continue to serve you well beyond your day at NCC. 

NHD Philly at a glance:

• NHD projects are a great fit for classroom curriculum, but they are also great for afterschool clubs. Even if a single student wants to compete, they just need a sponsoring teacher! 
• NHD is divided into two categories: Junior Division (Grades 6-8) and Senior Division (Grades 9-12)
• Papers can only be done by individual competitors. Every other category (Exhibit, Documentary, Website, Performance) can be done either as an individual or in a group. 
• NHD Philly is free for all Philadelphia students. We provide project materials and transport to NCC for the competition so that any student who wants to participate, can. 

Helpful Links:

• Learn more about the theme Turning Points in History!
• Take a look at how Philly students tackled 2023's theme, "Frontiers in History" through a website created by former NHD Philly competitor, Sophie Gala!
• Teachers: want to learn even more about NHD Philly? Fill out this interest form. 

Questions?

Reach out to Katie Clark (kclark@hsp.org) or to nhdphilly@gmail.com with any questions about NHD, its process, and how we can help.