Contest Rules
Download the NHD Contest Rule Book. This Rule Book is in effect for the 2024 contest season.
National History Day in Idaho
National History Day in Idaho (NHD) is a year-long student-led academic program focused on historical research, interpretation, and creative expression for 4th-12th grade students across Idaho. By participating in NHD, students become writers, filmmakers, web designers, playwrights and artists as they create unique contemporary expressions of history. NHD in Idaho operates under the umbrella of the national program, and 2024 marks Idaho’s 40th anniversary year. It is one of the signature programs of the Idaho State Historical Society and the Idaho State Museum.
Students who participate in NHD build skills that are key to success in college, career, and citizenship. NHD teaches critical thinking, writing, and research skills. They learn to speak publicly, collaborate with team members, communicate ideas effectively with diverse audiences, manage their time, and persevere through challenges.
At the beginning of the school year, Idaho students in grades 4-12 (in public, private, tribal, parochial and home schools) research topics related to an annual theme using primary and secondary sources, and then present their findings in one of five formats: an informative exhibit, a dramatic performance, a compelling documentary, an interactive website, or a historical paper. The students’ topics may be of family, local, state, national, or world importance. Students are encouraged to analyze and interpret their information and draw conclusions as to the topic’s historical significance.
Once the projects are complete, the students compete in a series of contests beginning with regional contests in 6 areas of Idaho, and then the top two winners in each category of each age division advance to the State Contest at the College of Idaho in April.
National History Day in Idaho is operated by the Idaho State Historical Society. Learn more at history.idaho.gov/nhdi.
Contact Us:
2205 Old Penitentiary Rd.
Boise, ID 83712
Phone: 208-780-5190
Email: NHDIdaho@ishs.idaho.gov
What you should know about spectating:
- All judging interviews are open to spectators, except exhibits. The exhibit hall will be closed to spectators during judging. Exhibits can be viewed before or after judging interviews.
- TURN OFF ALL CELL PHONES while viewing any student projects.
- Refrain from cheering during documentaries and performances. Brief applause at the end is acceptable.
- While walking/waiting in the hallways to view student projects keep your voices down so as not to disturb the judging process.
- Please do not speak to the judges concerning the judging of your student’s project; contact contest officials with any concerns.
- While judging is in progress, stay in your seats and do not interject with your opinions.
- Do not enter a room while judging is in progress.
- Please do not eat in the judging rooms or hallways.
NHD Judging Criteria
Historical Quality: 80%
- Historical Argument
- Clearly relates topic to Theme
- Wide Research
- Uses available Primary Sources
- Historical Context
- Shows Multiple Perspectives
- Historical Accuracy
- Demonstrates significance of topic in history and draws conclusions
- Shows Analysis & Interpretation
Clarity of Presentation: 20%
- Project and written materials are original, clear, appropriate, organized, and articulate
- Project is organized; visual impact is appropriate to topic
- Student Voice is clear and balanced between original analysis and supporting evidence