Long Island History Day is the regional contest for the National History Day Competition. 

Students across Long Island spend months preparing projects that showcase their

historical research related to an annual theme set by National History Day (NHD). For 2025, the

theme was: “Rights and Responsibilities in History.” There are two divisions: Junior (grades 6-8)

and Senior (grades 9-12). Students compete only within their division. They can work

individually or in groups of up to five in one of five categories: Historical Paper (individual only),

Performance, Website, Exhibit Board, or Documentary. Specific rules apply to each category.

Students begin their research using secondary sources and develop a working thesis. They

then utilize primary sources to support their thesis and enhance their research. Once their

research is complete, they create their presentation projects. The NHD research model enables

students to explore historical inquiry in an area that interests them, as long as it relates to the

annual theme. Presenting their findings in a way that allows creative control keeps students

engaged and enthusiastic. On contest day, students meet with judges and have the opportunity

to present their research/projects and answer questions. Judges then rank the projects. The top

projects (2-4 projects, depending on the number of entries) move on to the State contest. At

States, the top 2 projects in each category and each division advance to the National

competition in June.