Vermont History Day is part of the National History Day network. The Vermont History Day State Contest will take place on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at the University of Vermont Davis Center in Burlington. See the preliminary schedule.

Students who place first or second with a superior or excellent rating at the state competition are eligible to compete at the National History Day Contest on June 9-13, 2019 at the University of Maryland, College Park, near Washington DC.

Who can enter?

All Vermont students in grades 5-12 and home study students ages 10-18 are eligible for Vermont History Day. (Only students in grades 6-12 are eligible to advance to the National History Day contest.)

Vermont History Day provides students with an opportunity to engage in primary source research and express what they have learned through creative and original dramatic performances, documentaries, research papers, websites, or three-dimensional exhibits. Successful entries show a clear relation to the annual theme and an understanding of the historical significance of the chosen topic. Students meet with judges at the state contest and receive feedback about their projects.

What are the annual History Day themes?

• 2019: Triumph and Tragedy in History
• 2020: Breaking Barriers in History

How do I enter?

The entry forms (PDF) are due on March 8, 2019 for all entries. Or use the new online registration system.

Students are encouraged to nominate their projects for Special Prizes.

Historical paper and website projects are due on the submission deadline, March 25, 2019.
Documentary projects must be submitted online by the submission deadline, April 1, 2019.
See Important Dates for 2019 for more information.

How much does it cost?

There is a registration fee of $8.00 per student for the state contest.

How do I start a website entry?

All website entries must be created on the NHD/Weebly portal You can create your website using the Weebly templates and then "publish" the site so it will be live. The NHD/Weebly portal is easy to use. Check out a sample site.

What rules do I need to follow?

• Participation is open to students in grades five through twelve and home study students ages 10-18.
• Students may participate individually or in a group of up to five.
• Please read the National History Day rule book. There are specific rules for each category.
• Exhibits and performances are due on the contest day. Historical papers and websites are due approximately two weeks before the contest day and documentaries are due a week before the contest day.

How do I contact the state coordinator for more information?

Contact Victoria Hughes, the Vermont History Day coordinator, at (802) 828-1413 or email victoria.hughes@vermonthistory.org.

Many thanks to our supporters!

We are very grateful to our Vermont History Day sponsors:

Vermont History Day Partner
George W. Mergens Foundation
Peter Swift & Diana McCargo

Green Mountain State Level
Johnson Family Foundation Fund

Maple Level
University of Vermont Department of Admissions
Center for Research on Vermont

Oak Level
Northfield Savings Bank's Community Giving Program
University of Vermont Department of History
University of Vermont Historic Preservation Program

Birch Level
Robert Hull Fleming Museum

Spruce Level

And a special thank you to the sponsors of Special Prizes.