Information for Educators

group of women examining historic books

As a History Day teacher, you can help guide your students through the process of researching and developing a history project. Using project-based learning, students practice research, writing, historical analysis, and critical thinking skills while exploring a topic is US, Vermont or world history.

The National History Day (NHD) website has a wealth of information about incorporating the program into your classroom.

Details & Deadlines

Official Rule Book (PDF) 
Current judging forms

2023 Vermont History Day At a Glance (PDF)
2023 Online Registration System (preferred) - Registration opens January 2023
2023 Printable Entry Form (school PDF)
2023 Printable Entry Form (homeschool PDF)
2023 Special Prizes (PDF)
2023 Project Submission Instructions (PDF)

The state contest registration fee is $8.00 per student. Credit card payments can be made through the online registration system. Checks can be mailed to the Vermont Historical Society at 109 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05609.

Educator Workshops

Vermont History Day Educator Workshop - Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Vermont History Museum, Montpelier - 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

This in-depth workshop will examine the different options for History Day projects and demonstrate ways to incorporate project-based learning into your classroom or school. Educators will learn about resources and ways to support students through the process of creating projects and participating at the state and national level. New and experienced History Day educators are encouraged to attend.

Pre-registration required. $40.00 registration fee includes lunch and certificate for 6 hours of professional development.

Recordings from 2022 NHD New England Virtual Workshops (which might mention last year's theme):

Theme Info

Frontiers in History: People, Places, Ideas Theme Narrative (PDF)
Frontiers in VERMONT History (PDF)
NHD Frontiers in History Theme Book
NHD Theme Page with videos and resources
Topic Suggestions and Primary Sources from the National Archives
Topic Ideas Website, Master Topic List and Novice Topic List from Minnesota History Day
Frontiers in History with Ken Burns UNUM

Primary Sources & Bibliographies

What are primary sources and where can students find them online?
Research resources in Vermont (PDF)
Thinkport (Teaching with Primary Sources)
Reading Like a Historian
Historic newspapers at Chronicling America
Getting Started with Primary Sources from the Library of Congress
Oral History Interview Guidelines from National History Day (PDF)
Annotated Bibliography Resources from National History Day
Civic Online Reasoning Resources to evaluate online information
Consider the Source New York Teaching with Historical Records

More Resources

Minnesota History Day Teacher Curriculum and Timeline Resources
Links to short-form videos created by NHD for students
National History Day Curriculum Materials
Borrow NHD How-to Booklets
Consider using NoodleTools to help students organize their research and bibliography
Writing a Thesis Statement from New Mexico History Day (YouTube)
Preparing for National History Day from NEH-Edsitement
Women You Should Know from Remedial Herstory
Research Guidelines: American Indian History from Ohio History Day

Common Core Connections

National History Day Connections and Correlations to the Common Core (PDF) courtesy of the Wisconsin Historical Society

For more information, contact education@vermonthistory.org or (802) 479-8500.

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