Are you looking for a proven program that deepens student engagement with research and writing and aligns with the Massachusetts framework for history and social science? Do you want to incorporate the action civics project requirement into your curriculum without reinventing the wheel?
The National History Day in Massachusetts program checks all these boxes and more:
MHS staff is ready to support you through every aspect of the NHD journey, whether you are a seasoned NHD teacher or participating in the program for the first time.
Interested in learning more about NHD? Looking for resources, support, or just have a question? Want a virtual class visit to introduce students to the NHD project, research tips, or theme? Email your NHD Massachusetts State Coordinators Kate Melchior and Elyssa Tardif at nhd@masshist.org!
There are various levels of participation. For example, teachers implement the NHD program as:
Competition is not a requirement. NHD in Massachusetts believes that the NHD deep dive into historical research and inquiry, interpretation, and creative expression is an achievement all on its own. If students want to compete—go for it! But students or teachers can also choose for their program to culminate in a showcase or school display. We want students to know that competition does not correlate to success.
NHD Massachusetts is currently working on our very own teacher guide! In the meantime however, we recommend exploring the numerous curricular resources available via our partner institutions:
We highly recommend the new teacher guide published by National History Day! This newly updated book features step-by-step guidance on how to conduct historical research and give students direction on how to create and craft the best possible NHD projects. This guidebook is available for purchase on the NHD website for $49.00.
NHD MA Webinar: Introduction to New NHD Rules and Virtual Project Guidelines
These short videos can be used to introduce NHD concepts and skills in the classroom. We especially recommend checking out the National History Day Youtube page, where new videos are being added all the time!
National History Day frequently posts new videos to their Quick Digital Research Tips series on the NHD Youtube Page. We've included our favorites below, but make sure to check their page to see what's new!
These webinars and videos playlists are available to help build teacher skills for teaching project-based research and the NHD curriculum.
Coming soon!