Step into an exciting program where you get to make the decisions! ​National History Day in Missouri offers a unique chance for students in grades 6 to 12 to dive into history creatively and actively. As you create a documentary, exhibit, paper, performance, or website, you’ll become an expert on a topic that interests you! With NHD, you decide how to showcase your work, so explore the various categories. Interested in filmmaking and video editing? Make a documentary! Enjoy writing? Submit a paper. Want to try web design? This is your opportunity! National History Day not only gives you valuable experience in various fields, but it’s also a fantastic addition to your college applications and resumes.

Theme and Resources

Each year, National History Day provides students with a historical theme to guide their research. The annual theme is designed to be broad, enabling students to investigate topics across world, national, or state history. By examining their topic's historical context and significance, students connect their work to the theme. The theme for NHD 2025 is "Rights and Responsibilities in History!"

Research Sources

Check out our NHD source guides to help you with your project. Some sources offer versions in both English and Spanish.

Resources:

• The Five Steps of a History Day Project
• How to Ask Good Research Questions
• How to Approach and NHD Theme (webinar)
• Women's History Research Guide | English, Spanish
• Transportation Research Guide | English, Spanish 
• Education Research Guide | English, Spanish 
• Sports and Recreation Research Guide | English, Spanish 

Additional NHD Resources

View NHD categories and sample projects from previous years for inspiration.

Before you begin your project, please review the Contest Rule Book ​and evaluation sheets.

Looking for guidance on how you may use (and may not use) AI tools when creating an NHD project? Check out this handout.