Feel free to click on this link that outlines the rules for the National History Day Competition
Contest Rule Book
NHD Theme Book 2024
Also, a reminder that you cannot bring extra materials to the competition besides what is allowed in the rule book. For example, if your exhibit or documentary is about Hershey or Coca-Cola, you cannot bring candy or drinks for the judges. Any tampering with another entry will bring about an immediate disqualification.
Regional Competition at the University of Scranton
Beginning with the 2019 NHD competition, the University of Scranton became the new location for the R2 Counties (Luzerne County (except Hazelton) Lackawanna County, Susquehanna County, Sullivan County, Wyoming County, Wayne County, Monroe County, and Pike County) Regional Competition. The competition is held annually in late March or early April.
Winners at the R2 Regional Competition go on to compete at the State Competition, in late Aprtil , also held at the University of Scranton, and those winners go on to the National Competition in June, held at the University of Maryland.
What to Expect During the Contest on Saturday March 2 2024
The Region-2 Competition Registration will begin at 8:00 am on the Fourth Floor of the DeNaples Center
The Opening Ceremony will occur at 9:00 am in the McIlhenny Ballroom in the Fourth Floor of the DeNaples Center
Judging of all entries will begin at 9:30 am and continue until 12:30 pm.
Historical Presentations, a Keynote Speech, and History Trivia Games will occur in the McIlhenny Ballroom from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
The Concluding Ceremony and Awards Presentaiton will occur in the McIlhenny Ballroom at 3:30 pm
Junior and Senior Exhibits Will Be Displayed in the Rose Room on the fifth floor of Brennan Hall
Performance Competitions will be held at the Ann and Leo Moskovitz Theatre in the Fourth Floor of the DeNaples Center
Local Historical Exhibits will be held at the McIlhenny Ballroom on the Fourth Floor of the DeNaples Center
Website, Paper, and Documentary Competitions will be held in Saint Thomas Hall in rooms 311, 312, and 312
Parking is avaible in the Parking Pavilion across from the DeNaples Center
A Campus Map is availiable HERE
Group Website
Websites must be submitted by the registration deadline of 11:59 pm on February 12, 2024
Individual Website
Websites must be submitted by the registration deadline of 11:59 pm on February 12, 2024
Paper
Papers must be submitted by the registration deadline of 11:59 pm on February 12, 2024
Judges for National History Day evaluate student projects through student interviews and consensus judging based on the following criteria:
Historical Quality (80%)
- Historical accuracy
- Historical context
- Analysis and interpretation
- Use of available primary sources
- Wide research
- Balanced research
Clarity of Presentation (20%)
- Presentation, written materials are original, clear, appropriate, organized and articulate
- Entry is organized; visual impact is appropriate to topic
Certain categories have specific rules and guidelines. Refer to the NHD Rule Book