NHD Rulebook

The National History Day Contest Rule Book has all the information you need on general and category-specific contest rules as well as a breakdown on how entries are judged. For a downloadable pdf copy of the rule book click the link below. The Rule Book can be found here. Please note: the Rule Book was revised in 2021. 

About Us

The Ohio History Connection, formerly the Ohio Historical Society, is a statewide history organization with the mission to spark discovery of Ohio’s stories. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization chartered in 1885, the Ohio History Connection carries out history services for Ohio and its citizens focused on preserving and sharing the state’s history. This includes housing the state historic preservation office, the official state archives, local history office and managing more than 50 sites and museums across Ohio. For more information on programs and events, visit https://www.ohiohistory.org.

Mission

Spark discovery of Ohio's stories. Embrace the present, share the past and transform the future.
 

Core Values

• Relevance- Addressing and communicating the significance of history with Ohio's diverse people
• Authenticity- Valuing artifacts and true stories of history
• Inclusivity- Appealing to all Ohioans, especially underserved audiences
• Stewardship- Protecting the evidence of Ohio history
• Working Together- Pursuing teamwork and sharing authority and responsibility

The 2024 Region 10 History Day Contest will take place in person on Sat., March 23 at Muskingum University, New Concord, OH!

More information about the day of the contests and awards ceremony will become available closer to the date of the competition. 

Judging Criteria

History Day relies on consensus judging. That means that instead of giving entries numeric scores, our judge teams will rank projects in their categories. Judges will judge entries according to the following criteria:

Historical Quality (80%)

• Historical argument
• Wide research
• Primary sources
• Historical context
• Wide research
• Multiple perspectives 
• Historical Accuracy 
• Significance in history
• Student voice

Clarity of Presentation (20%)

• This varies from category to category, but in general, how you use the tools of your category to present your research, argument, and the historical significance of your topic.

All entries must conform to the general rules: 

• Students can only participate in one project per year.
• Entries must be researched and developed during the current contest year.
• Students are responsible for the research, design and creation of their entry.
• Students must provide an annotated bibliography as well as a process paper of no more than 500 worlds.

In addition, each category has its own specific rules. Click Here for the evaluation rubric for each category.