National History Day in Maine is a collaborative effort between the Margaret Chase Smith Library, the University of Maine, the Maine Masonic College,
John Bapst Memorial High School, St. Joseph’s College,
and the Maine Humanities Council.


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high academic standards

The National History Day in Maine program adheres closely to social studies standards in the areas of historical skills, literacy, and in-depth research in the following ways:

  • Posing Questions About Topics in History

  • Building a Strong Thesis Statement

  • Locating Primary and Secondary Sources

  • Using Sources to Draw Conclusions

  • Presenting the Findings

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Annual Theme

A new theme is chosen every year by the National History Day organization. Past themes included:

  • Leadership & Legacy in History

  • Conflict & Compromise in History

  • Rights & Responsibilities in History

  • Triumph & Tragedy in History

  • Communication in History: The Key to Understanding

2024 Theme: Turning Points in History

National history day in maine

A History Education Program for Grades 6-12

National History Day in Maine is a co-curricular academic program that fosters in-depth research and critical analysis skills for students in grades 6-12.  Students select a topic relating to a national theme. Using primary and secondary resources, students research a topic and present conclusions in one of the following ways:

  • Research Paper: Traditional academic paper, complete with citations

  • Exhibit: Museum-style exhibit using images, text, and supporting resources

  • Documentary: 10-minute video combining images and analytical narration

  • Performance: 10-minute live performance using actual or composite character

  • Website: Web-based collection of interactive pages

Click here for national award winning examples from each category.

An academic challenge

Students may choose to enter their projects in the History Day event. This four-level competition includes classroom evaluations, regional and state competitions, and a national event. Students compete in either the Junior (grades 6-8) or Senior (grades 9-12) division.

Projects are evaluated against these standards:

  • Historical Quality

  • Relation to Theme

  • Clarity of Presentation

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student outcomes

  • Increased Engagement with History

  • Enhanced Research Skills

  • Improved Literacy


2024 contest central

resources


2023 National Winners

David Gilbert
Greely MS

The Award for Discovery or Exploration in History
Junior Individual Documentary
Entitled: On Top of the World: The Frontiers Faced by Matthew Henson and Robert Peary in their Quest for the North Pole (Click Here)
(Photo with NHD Executive Director Cathy Gorn)


Carolyne Sauda & Kathryn Busko

Bangor HS

Outstanding Affiliate Award (Senior)
Senior Group Documentary
Entitled: Mr. Clean’s Water Act: A New Frontier in Environmental Legislation (Click Here)


Cora Berry, Clara McDuffie, & Simone Sites [not pictured]

Greely MS

Outstanding Affiliate Award (Junior)
Junior Group Exhibit
Entitled: Frances Glessner Lee: “Mother of Forensic Science”
(Photo with teacher Katie Cassesse)