Students and Parents

What is History Day?

History Day is not just a day, but every day! The Colorado and National History Days are part of a year-long education program that culminates in a national contest every June. Read more about Colorado History Day.

Why Participate?

History Day is a highly regarded academic challenge – a program that attracts more than 700,000 students nationwide. When you take the initiative to make history come alive by preparing a History Day project, digging for the connections to your own ideas, you learn from personal experience. That deep understanding is a reward in itself. But of course the benefits don't stop there. You'll also build relationships -- with your teachers and with other students. This active, participative learning can be a lot of fun.

Family and friends can also support students at History Day competitions by sitting as an audience for Performance and Documentary presentations, or by viewing the exhibits during the public viewing time.

Can Parents Help?

Parents, like teachers, play an important role in supporting their student's History Day entry. For concrete suggestions on how to help, visit "Parents' Role" on the National History Day web site. Parents are also needed as volunteers to help during regional and state contests. Please use our volunteer form to express your interest in one or more of the contests in Colorado.

How Can You Get Started?

Your history teacher can help guide you through the process of understanding the contest theme and identifying a project topic. He or she can also provide the support to help you develop a sound approach to the research. Also see the following pages on this site:

Annual Theme

History Day Projects

Research Tools