National History Day

National History Day (NHD) is a year-long academic program focused on historical research, interpretation, and creative expression for 6th- to 12th-grade students. The theme narrative for the 2025 NHD competition is Rights & Responsibilities in History.

By participating in NHD, students become writers, filmmakers, web designers, playwrights, and artists as they create unique contemporary expressions of history. The experience culminates in a series of contests at the local and affiliate levels and an annual national competition in the nation’s capital in June.

Every year, the Science History Institute partners with students and teachers working on NHD projects. We create research guides, assist with reference questions, and sometimes even serve as judges for the regional competitions. If you need any research help with your project, we encourage you to get in touch.

Our collections contain primary and secondary resources that are historically significant. Students can access our digital collections or make an appointment to research in-person at our library in Philadelphia. 

Make the history of science a part of your NHD project!