Categories and Sample Projects

Documentaries are great for students who like to work with computers and multimedia. After you research, you will write a script and find illustrations and multimedia to create a mini-film about your topic. If you don't have access to video editing software at home, be sure to check with your teacher about what is available through your school. The most common software used is iMovie, Windows MovieMaker, or Final Cut Pro. History Day has some WeVideo licenses available for schools to use. Please contact Ian with questions about using WeVideo or getting a license for the year.

Documentaries can be created individually or in a group. Below are some resources to help you with your Documentary:

• Documentary Workbook
• Laura Zeccardi Sample Documentary Storyboard
• Documentary "Tootsie Roll" Template
• Documentary Judge Evaluation Form
• Sample Documentary Projects

WeVideo resources:

• WeVideo Overview
• WeVideo Tutorial Videos
• WeVideo Editing Basics

Exhibits are great for students who like to work alone or in groups. Exhibits are similar to what you might see in a museum, but on a smaller scale.

Objects, pictures, and documents go along with your own words to tell your story. This is especially a great category for students who like graphic design and "hands-on" creativity.

Below are some resources to help with your Exhibit:

• Exhibit Workbook
• Blank and Guided Exhibit Map
• Wood-Frame Exhibit Building Instructions (PDF)
• Virtual Exhibit Building Instructions (PDF) Check guidelines for specific contests before submission
• Exhibit Judge Evaluation Form (PDF)
• Sample Exhibit at Every Level of Competition
• Sample Exhibit Projects
• Purchasing Large Format Exhibit Boards (optional - not required by NHD)
  • Bulk
  • Call to check availability of single Boards at Minnesota History Center

Research Papers are great for students who like to work alone and prefer to use words to tell a story. Papers have a longer word limit, so you usually have more space for your argument than some of the other categories. 

Papers are judged through on off-site judging process in the First-Round of competition. You are not required to attend a Regional competition. 

Below are some tools to help you with your Paper:

• Paper Workbook
• Paper Judge Evaluation Form
• Sample Paper Projects
• Competition Process and Dates for Research Papers

Performances are a great for students who want to act and show off their dramatic flair. You will write a script based on the research you conduct and create characters, scenes, and dialogue to prove your argument.

Most students design a simple set, wear costumes, and may have props to help people connect to your story. Performances can be done by an individual or a group.

Below are resources to help you with your Performance:

• Performance Workbook
• Sample Outline and Performance Script
• Performance Backdrops Made Easy Video
• Building your own Backdrop Construction Materials
• Performance Judge Evaluation Form
• Sample Performance Projects

Websites allow you to tell your story using your own words, pictures, videos, and images to share online. This category is great for students that like to work with computers and technology. Students can work alone or in groups to create a Website. Students must use the official NHD Website Editor to create their website. National History Day is now using NHDWebCentral as its platform. 

General resources

• Website Workbook
• Website Page Planning 
• Website Judge Evaluation Form (PDF)
• Sample Website Projects

NHDWebCentral specific resources

• NHDWebCentral Help Library 

Sample website

With student permission, we have recreated a past National Qualifier website in the new NHDCentral platform:

• Junior Individual Website Original
• NHDWebCentral Updated Website