This exciting program encourages young people to explore an historical subject related to an annual theme. Students make history come alive as their research leads to imaginative exhibits, original performances, media documentaries, historical papers and Web sites. Students participate in four grade-appropriate categories: Youth I (Grade 4), Youth II (Grade 5), Junior (Grades 6-8) and Senior (Grades 9-12).

For further information about National History Day in Indiana, call the state coordinator at (317) 234-0091, or e-mail us.

This program has been made possible through a matching grant from the Indiana Humanities Council in cooperation with the National Endowment for the Humanities

Franklin College is the National History Day in Indiana program sponsor for the East Central District for the 2007-08 school year

Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI) is the sponsor for the National History Day in Indiana Central District Contest to be held on March 8, 2008 at IUPUI.
Saint Mary’s College is the sponsor for the National History Day in Indiana North District Contest to be held on April 19, 2008 at Saint Mary’s College.

Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance and the University of Indianapolis are sponsors for the National History Day in Indiana State Contest to be held on May 10, 2008
at the University of Indianapolis.

Why participate in National History Day in Indiana?
National History Day Theme
Divisions and Categories
Steps to Get Started
Helpful Links

NHDI Programs and Deadlines Calendar [PDF]

History Day participants will:

• develop critical thinking and research skills
• research and explore a topic in history of interest to them
• learn the differences between primary and secondary sources
• gain expert knowledge on their topics
• meet new people and make new friends
• receive recognition for their work
• experience the excitement of competition

Back to top

The 2008 National History Day Theme is Conflict & Compromise in History. Click here for more information on the theme and topic ideas.

Back to top

Entries are judged in four divisions, according to grade level. Students in each division may enter one category.

Youth Division I (Grade 4)
Individual or Group Media Presentation
Individual or Group First Person Interpretation
Individual or Group Collage
Critical Book Review (Individual only)
Click here for the Rule Book for Youth I

Youth Division II (Grade 5) / Junior Division (Grades 6-8) /
Senior Division (Grades 9-12)
Individual or Group Documentary
Individual or Group Performance
Individual or Group Exhibit
Historical Paper (Individual only)
Individual or Group Web site
Click here for the Rule Book for Youth II/Junior/Senior

Back to top

• Classes and individual students need a sponsoring adult. A sponsor can be a teacher, parent or any other adult willing to help students participate in the competition. For information, call the National History Day in Indiana state coordinator at (317) 234-0091 or e-mail us.
• We will send you all the information needed to get started. You can also download the NHDI Introduction Packet, the Rule Book for Youth I or the Rule Book for Youth II/Junior/Senior divisions.
• Complete a Participation Form and return it to the NHDI State Coordinator.
• Start researching your topic!
• Schedule one or all of these National History Day in Indiana student programs by contacting the state coordinator at (317) 234-0091 or e-mail us.
• Have History Will Travel Workshops for Students — Each fall the state coordinator will visit schools to make an introductory presentation on National History Day and provide hands-on workshops for classes already engaged in creating NHDI contest entries. This is a FREE for schools and organizations participating in National History Day in Indiana.
• NHDI Student Research Workshops — Each spring the state coordinator will visit schools participating in NHDI to offer resource workshops for students creating NHDI projects. The workshop emphasizes research and analysis of primary and secondary sources, Web research tips, and identifying other useful resources. For fees and scheduling details, contact the NHDI state coordinator.
• NHDI Student Project Consultations — Each spring the state coordinator will be available to meet with student at schools participating in NHDI to review their project progress and offer tips on preparing for local, district and state competitions. For fees and scheduling information, contact the NHDI state coordinator.

Back to top

American Journeys
Indiana Historical Society (Smith Library)
Indiana State Archives
Indiana State Library
Library of Congress (American Memory)
National Archives and Records Administration
National History Day
National History Day in Indiana State Coordinator e-mail
Our Documents Initiative
Social Studies Resources

Back to top