National History Day in North Dakota
National History Day in North Dakota is a project-based learning program for students in grades 6 through 12 that emphasizes critical reading and thinking skills, research, analysis, and the drawing of meaningful conclusions. The State Historical Society of North Dakota, as well as National History Day, offer professional training and classroom resources throughout the year to assist educators and and students as they prepare to compete.
Students can complete individual or group projects in 1 of 5 categories: documentary, paper, exhibit, performance, or website. Volunteer judges evaluate student projects based on Historical Quality (80%) and Clarity of Presentation (20%). Students have the opportunity to revise their projects between each contest to address or incorporate suggestions from judges prior to competing at the next level.
National History Day contests occur throughout North Dakota in March. Participating students initially compete in Regional Contests depending upon their location. Please see the map below to determine which contest is best suited for a given location.
- Western Region Contest: Tuesday, March 17, at Dickinson State University in Dickinson
- Central Region Contest: Tuesday, March 24, at Bismarck State College in Bismarck
- Eastern Region Contest: Saturday, March 4, at North Dakota State University in Fargo
Top qualifying students at the regional level are eligible to compete at the state level in April. The State Contest is held annually at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck, and will be on Wednesday, April 14, in 2026. First- and second-place winners in each category of competition at the state level are eligible to compete at the national level in June.
Why should students participate in National History Day in North Dakota?
The academic benefits of participating in National History Day in North Dakota are numerous. Not only does the program encourage interest in history, especially that of North Dakota, but is also helps students use their historical knowledge to better understand the present and better prepare them for the future challenges they may face. Program participation also improves reading, research, writing, and communication skills among middle and high school students.
Participants in National History Day in North Dakota also experience benefits beyond the classroom. Educators, parents, and even students themselves report higher levels of civic engagement, empathy for others, and tolerance for differences due to studying history. Project preparation and presentation additionally increases confidence among students.
Here's what Madison Milbrath, Education Outreach Supervisor for the State Historical Society, has to say about the effect of National History Day in North Dakota:
"Not only is National History Day an educational program for students, but it's also enriching their lives. Beyond the numbers, students report greater confidence, stronger academic skills, and unforgettable life experiences—like flying for the first time or uncovering and presenting local history on a national stage."
DID YOU KNOW?
In just one year, participation in the National History Day in North Dakota program has skyrocketed from 185 students in 2024 to 862 in 2025—a 365.9% increase! The Foundation provides travel scholarships for North Dakota students participating in National History Day, and our team recently supported 18 students competing at the national level this past June.
Support National History Day in North Dakota
For many children competing in National History Day in North Dakota, the excitement of qualifying for the national contest is quickly followed by the stress of how to pay for it. State funding doesn’t cover the full cost, and rural students especially face limited fundraising opportunities and extremely tight timelines to gather the resources they need. Thanks to support from the Foundation's Jim and Gerd Tuchscherer Endowment Fund, North Dakota students receive partial registration coverage to help ease the financial burden of attending nationals so that more students can seize this opportunity regardless of where they live or their financial situation. It only takes $100 to support a North Dakota student in the National History Day contest in June! You can help the Foundation make North Dakota history educational, engaging, and meaningful to students throughout the state by donating today.
"We were a group of students with multiple interests and passions. On paper, it seemed like this would never happen...This trip was an incredible experience, and I am forever grateful to the people who made it happen." - National History Day in North Dakota student competitor
For detailed information regarding contest dates, locations, resources, guidelines, and rules, please visit the National History Day in North Dakota program website.