Please review the official National History Day Rule Book thoroughly.
Student Conduct
Students are expected to conduct themselves, both in person and online, in a manner that brings credit to themselves, their schools, and their communities. Chaperones are responsible for the behavior of the students in their charge.
NHD Rules and Policies for Participants
Please remember that the Tennessee Historical Society, Tennessee History Day, and National History Day are concerned not only for the safety and well-being of students, but also for upholding the wishes of parents, educators, school principals, and the many supporters who have a vested interest in the students' participation. As guests on the State of Tennessee and Metro Nashville property, you are expected to abide by the same rules as any visitor to a public space. To ensure that your stay is pleasant and trouble-free, you must observe the following rules:
- You may not physically harm, threaten to harm, or harass any person, including provoking and/or engaging in physical fights or malicious pranks.
- Alcoholic beverages or other drugs are expressly prohibited except those prescribed by a doctor.
- Possession of any weapons, firecrackers, or other flammable materials is prohibited.
- You may not tamper with the fire system or fire safety equipment. You may not set or fuel a fire
- of any size.
- Some areas of state building are off limits. In Tennessee Tower, you are permitted on the 2nd and 3rd floors only.
- You are responsible for complying with the requests of all chaperones and Tennessee History Day staff, including cooperating in cases where you are aware of rules being broken by other students.
National History Day is a year-long education program for students in grades 6-12 that engages both educators and students to improve the teaching and learning of history in public, private, and home schools. Students who participate have shown dramatic improvements in research techniques, writing skills, historical knowledge, creativity, literacy, communication, civic engagement, and college readiness. In addition to these skills, a 2011 study demonstrates that students who participate in National History Day outperform their non-NHD peers on state standardized tests in multiple subjects, including reading, science, and math, as well as social studies.
The Tennessee Historical Society became the state affiliate of National History Day in the 2008-9 academic year. Since that time, student and educator participation across the state has more than doubled. Over 8300 students across the state participate in National History Day. After competing in a cycle of contests, a delegation of approximately 65 students is selected to represent Tennessee at the National History Day contest, held each June in College Park, MD.
Tennessee History Day
Virtual State Contest
Saturday, April 2, 2022
Schedule of Events
Awards Announcement: Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 3:00 PM CT / 4:00 PM ET
Youtube Link Coming Soon!
Junior Individual Documentary
Junior Individual Exhibit
Junior Individual Performance
Junior Individual Website
Senior Individual Documentary
Senior Individual Exhibit
Senior Individual Performance
Senior Individual Website
The rubric for judging National History Day projects is consistent at all levels of competition. All judges received training before evaluating projects.
Historical Quality (60%)
Historical accuracy
Historical context
Analysis and interpretation
Use of available primary sources
Wide research
Balanced research
Relation to the Theme (20%)
Clearly relates to theme
Demonstrates significance of topic in history and draws conclusions
Clarity of Presentation (20%)
Presentation, written materials are original, clear, appropriate, organized and articulate
Entry is organized; visual impact is appropriate to topic
Theme Sheet
Website Rules
Paper Rules