Educators

Why Do History Day?

History Day is a powerful tool for both teachers and students.

Students develop high-level academic skills as they conduct research and synthesize sources to build their own arguments. They develop important civic reasoning skills as they critically evaluate sources and connect their study of the past with the world they see around them today. History Day students build agency and confidence as they become subject-matter experts on their chosen topics and present their findings to the public.

History Day teachers become part of a community of practice with other dedicated and knowledgeable History Day teachers. They gain access to curricular materials, research resources, free virtual classroom visits by History Day staff, and professional development opportunities.

• See how CMHD helps you meet standards and comply with mandates including the Common Core State Standards (PDF) and the ISBE Civics Mandates (PDF).
• Watch testimonial videos by fellow teachers as they share their positive experiences.
• National History Day’s Why NHD Works page applies to our program as a regional affiliate of National History Day.

Want to learn more but aren’t sure you’re ready to commit to participating? Email [email protected] to request a CMHD information packet!

Ready to participate? Read on!

Fall 2026 Events

Virtual History Day 101

Tuesday, September 15, 6–8 p.m.
Join us via Zoom for History Day 101. History Day 101 is designed for teachers who are new to Chicago Metro History Day (CMHD), considering CMHD, or returning after a hiatus. We will address:

• The History Day philosophy and benefits to students
• Annual theme
• Brief introduction to History Day categories and rules
• History Day in your classroom
• Connection to ISBE State Standards
• Research and argumentation
• Evaluation rubric
• Contest nuts and bolts

This event is free for teachers at History Day participating schools and those who are considering participation. 2 PD hours will be awarded.

Teacher Kickoff

Tuesday, September 29, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Join us at the Chicago History Museum for CMHD’s Annual Teacher Kickoff on Tuesday, September 29. The Kickoff will feature History Day updates and an introduction to the 2027 theme “Innovation in History: Impact, Influence, Change.”

This event is free for teachers at History Day participating schools and those who are considering participation. A light dinner and drinks (beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options) will be served. 2 PD hours will be awarded. To help us make appropriate catering arrangements, RSVPs are appreciated by Thursday, September 17.

History Day Methods

Tuesdays, September 29-October 27, 2026, 7–8:00 p.m.

History Day Methods is designed to prepare new or returning teachers to integrate History Day in their classrooms. This program has five interactive modules with Tuesday night Zoom meetings and an introduction meeting.

• September 29: Introduction and Module 1: Theme and Topic Selection at Teacher Kickoff at Chicago History Museum (5:30–7:30 p.m.). Please contact staff if you are unable to make it in-person, and complete Module 1 Questions.
• September 29–October 6 – Module 2: Research, Source Analysis, Notetaking, Annotated Bibliography (Meeting October 6, 7–8:00 p.m.)
• October 7–13 – Module 3: Historical Argumentation (Meeting October 13, 7–8:00 p.m.)
• October 14–20 – Module 4: Preparing a Project (Meeting October 20, 7–8:00 p.m.)
• October 21–27 – Wrap-up and Module 5: Preparing for the Contest (Meeting October 27, 7–8:00 p.m.)

Teachers will have through November to complete any outstanding work.

Register Here

See all our History Day professional development opportunities.

Registering to Participate

History Day requires significant coordination from participating teachers and plenty of time for students. Participating schools should designate a contact History Day teacher who will be responsible for interfacing between the school and CMHD.

• Complete the Intent to Participate form for the 2026-27 school year as soon as possible (due by December 1, 2026).
• Read the 2027 Participation Agreement
• Check out our 2027 Dates and Deadlines to help plan your academic year.
• Familiarize yourself with the NHD Rule Book. CMHD uses the NHD rule book at all levels of competition.
• The theme for 2027 is “Innovation in History: Impact, Influence, Change.” Learn more and get topic ideas on our Theme and Topics page.
• Visit and bookmark our Teaching History Day page for more classroom and curricular resources.
• If you are looking for a particular resource that used to be on this page, you can find it on our CMHD Resource Archive.