The National History Day core program is a competition in which students in grades 6–12 choose a topic and dive deeply into the past by conducting extensive research in libraries, archives, and museums. They then present their conclusions and evidence through papers, exhibits, performances, documentaries, or websites, moving through a series of contest levels where they are evaluated by professional historians and educators.
Through this process, students develop skills in communication, project management, and historical thinking.
This Guide is designed to assist teachers by sharing links to the many government resources that can be useful in guiding student exploration.