National History Day has updated the Contest Rule Book for the 2021 Contest and beyond.
Please carefully read over the contest rules by visiting or downloading the rule book linked below.
NHDRuleBook2021Digital.pdf
The Orange County History Day Contest uses the National History Day contest rule book to orient judges, teachers, and students.
About Page
NHD reaches more than half a million students and tens of thousands of teachers each year via its international student history contest and its wide range of teacher professional development programs, curriculum tools, and other educational activities.
NHD’s core program is its 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. Their teachers do as well.
The Need
History education matters. Studying the past helps us make sense of the present to move forward into the future. History education is essential for participatory citizenship. Knowing where we came from helps us understand where we are going. In the process, studying the past builds empathy and hones research, writing, and analytical skills.
An independent study confirmed that students who participate in NHD outperform their peers in ways that extend far beyond the classroom and the competition.
What to Expect During the Contest
This year's contest will take place at Orange County Regional History Center. Please plan to arrive no earlier than 9:30 AM at the History Center. Parking will be in the Central Avenue Downtown Library Parking Garage. Doors will open for registration at 9:30 AM. Please ensure to bring all materials with you to the contest. All categories should print 4 copies of their paperwork which includes Title Page, Process Paper, and Annotated Bibliography. If you are participating in the Historical Paper Category, please print 4 copies of that as well.
At registration you will receive your judging location and time. Exhibit entries will be escorted to the Exhibit area to set up their exhibit. Please report to your assigned judging location 15 minutes prior to your judging time. After judging is completed please report to the waiting area.
Volunteer to Judge
Volunteer judges provide students with a high-quality educational experience—whether or not they win a prize. Your background, knowledge, and perspective are a valuable contribution of insight and confidence for students to take their next steps in life.
During the National History Day® (NHD) contest process, students in grades 6–12 conduct extensive research on topics related to an annual theme and present their findings as historical papers, exhibits, documentaries, performances, or websites. Judges work on a team of three, one of whom is designated as the captain. NHD relies on consensus judging, which means that instead of giving entries numerical scores, judges rank the entries after discussion within the judging team.
If you are an educator, historian, or a community member with a passion for history education please considering volunteering to judge. If you are interesting in volunteering as a judge please contact Will Turner, our County Coordinator.