Contest Rules
Be sure to use the current edition of the NHD Rule Book.
About Utah History Day
Utah History Day is Utah’s official National History Day affiliate. Formerly called Utah History Fair, this program has operated continuously in Utah since 1980. Last year, more than 7,000 Utah students in 4th through 12th grade participated in History Day, learning how to conduct real historical research and then create a final project that showcases their work. Utah History Day is operated by the Utah Division of State History.
Why do kids love History Day? Here’s what some of them have to say:
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This experience truly changed my life.
My favorite aspect of the competition is the freedom that is provided to the students. There are so many categories and endless possibilities for topics. Any student can create a project that utilizes their skills and interests them. Each NHD project requires students to use analysis and do in-depth investigations of their topic. This year, we were able to contact many great people such as civil rights leader, Dolores Huerta, Professor Danielle Olden, Jesus Gamboa and Ben Maddock. All of these people taught me new things that I have carried with me ever since.
– Nicholas Cockrell, Hillcrest High School, Midvale
Dear All Undecided,
National History Day is a wonderful program…. You’ll be learning many valuable skills that will supercharge your researching skills for all sorts of challenges (for instance, for school or for work). More importantly, the National History Day competition allows you to not only delve into a comprehensive review of a historical event—it makes you take a stance. So get out there. Find a historical event that you’re passionate about, and go at it. I promise you that the time you invest will be well worth it. Good luck to all!
– Harry Han, Hillcrest High School, Midvale
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Competition Schedule
1:30-2:00 Student Check In & Exhibit Setup
1:30-2:00 Judges' Meeting
2:00-4:00 Judging
5:00 Judging Results posted (There is no Awards Ceremony, Awards will be distributed to teachers following the contest.)
* This schedule is subject to change.
Student Behavior Expectations
- All students must be accompanied by a chaperone while at the contest. Chaperones are responsible for the behavior of the students in their charge.
- Students are expected to conduct themselves, in person and online, in a manner that brings credit to themselves and their schools.
- Treat other competitors with respect at all times.
- Pack out everything you pack in, including trash and contest supplies. Do not leave exhibits or performance props behind. Clean up your messes.
First Round
All entries will be judged during the first round of competition, which runs from 10:00-12:30. All students are interviewed by the judges.
Final Round
Exhibit, documentary, paper, and website students do NOT attend the final round. Performance students will be invited back for a final round if necessary.
There are no interviews in the final round.
Must You Stay at the Contest All Day? No.
You should plan to spend time viewing other projects at the contest, but you are free to leave after morning judging and return later for the awards ceremony. (Unless you are called back for Performance Finals!) The building will be open all day and you may bring games, reading, or movies to pass the time.
Lunch is not provided for contestants.
NHD Judging Criteria
Historical Quality: 60%
- Historical Accuracy
- Historical Context
- Shows Analysis & Interpretation
- Uses available primary sources
- Wide Research
- Balanced Research
Relation to Theme: 20%
- Clearly relates topic to theme
- Demonsrates significance of topic in history and draws conclusions
Clarity of Presentation: 20%
- Project and written materials are original, clear, appropriate, organized, and articulate
- Project is organized; visual impact is appropriate to topic