National History Day

National History Day (NHD) is a learning adventure that teaches critical thinking, writing and research skills and boosts performance across all subjects – not just history. To facilitate this, NHD provides a framework and curriculum materials for teachers and guidance for students.

Students choose a historical topic related to the annual theme and then conduct primary and secondary research. Students are encouraged to look through libraries, archives and museums, conduct oral history interviews, and visit historic sites. After analyzing and interpreting the sources, and drawing a conclusion about the significance of the topic, students are then able to present their work in one of five ways: as a paper, an exhibit, a performance, a documentary, or a website.

First, students grades 6th through 12th can participate at the local level. Students from Oneida, Oswego, Madison, Cortland, and Onondaga counties are eligible to take part in Central New York Regional History Day facilitated by Onondaga Historical Association. Winners from this competition have an opportunity to use the judges’ remarks and revise their projects to present a second time at the New York State History Day. From here, winners can again revise their projects before moving on to The Kenneth E. Behring National History Day contest.

You can help OHA facilitate our Regional History Day, and support the enrichment of local students, by donating below!

Make a Donation


The theme for National History Day 2024 is Turning Points in History



Students, teachers, and judges from throughout the region will once again gather at OCM BOCES on Saturday, March 23, for this year’s event. Registration closes on March 1.

For more information regarding Central New York History Day, visit the webpage or contact Scott Peal by email (scott.peal@cnyhistory.org) or by phone (428-1864 extension 317).


Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors

We would like to extend a special thank you to this year’s Lead Sponsors, Bottar Law and the William G. Pomeroy Foundation. Also thank you to additional sponsors Syracuse University, Nascentia Health, and author Roxanne Bocyck, who have helped support these hard-working students.