The Region 3 Ohio History Day contest follows rules set out by the Ohio History Day coordinator at the Ohio History Connection and the National History Day office.
To view the National History Day Contest Rule Book, click here. All projects must follow the specifications and rules outlined by this document. Please note: a NEW Rule Book is in effect for the 2021 contest season.
For more information on Ohio History Day programming across the state of Ohio, click here.
For more information on Ohio History Day programming in Cleveland, click here.
Founded in 1974 at Case Western Reserve University, National History Day was originally conceived as a way to emphasize the importance of teaching history in schools. It quickly grew from a local Cleveland competition into a national event, and the Cleveland History Center, as the current headquarters for Region 3, is proud to carry on the legacy of the original contest. Similar to a science fair, individuals or groups of students conduct research related to the year’s theme and then create an original Historical Paper, Exhibit, Performance, Documentary, or Website. There are two divisions—Junior (grades 6-8) and Senior (grades 9-12). On competition day, students present their projects and be interviewed by volunteer judges to share what they learned during the course of their research.
National History Day is a model of multidisciplinary, project-based learning that frames the academic year. Students will sharpen skills in research methods, critical thinking, and synthesis of information from diverse sources. The process of project creation and competition is both highly demanding and highly rewarding for students and teachers. Each year students explore a historical topic related to the annual theme and present their research through research papers, documentaries, exhibits, dramatic performances, or websites. In addition, students must be able to effectively present their findings and interpretations of their topics to a panel of judges. They must also be able to answer questions from the judges about the content of their project, as well as their research process. Successful entries proceed from the regional competition to the state competition in Columbus and the national competition in Washington D.C. A national evaluation of the National History Day program conducted in 2009-2010 revealed that teachers and students who participate in National History Day report stronger reading and research skills, better college and career readiness, and an overall increased interest in historical topics.
What to Expect During the Contest
Region 3 Ohio History Day is a fast-paced day in which ~450 students participate yearly. It is important that participants - students, teachers, judges, and other volunteers - pay attention to information they receive in advance of the contest about submission guidelines and a timeline for participation.
More information will be posted here as the schedule is finalized for the 2022 Contest.
Contest Date: Saturday, March 4, 2023
Judging Criteria
Every project at the Region 3 Ohio History Day competition is evaluated by a team of volunteer judges who are looking for excellence in historical quality and clarity of presentation.
Please note: new evaluation sheets will be used for the 2022 contest!
To view the NEW NHD rulebook (in effect as of the 2020-2021 contest season), click here.
To view the NEW project evaluation forms, click here.
How will my project be judged?
When your project is judged the judges are evaluating your project using two different levels of criteria.
Historical Quality (80%)
The Historical Quality of your project is worth 80% when it comes to the judges final decision. Historical quality focuses on accuracy of facts, analysis and interpretation of the material, an understanding of historical context, a wide array research represented in the annotated bibliography, a balanced presentation of your materials (un biased) and the use of available primary sources. This section also includes your topic's connection to the annual theme. This year's theme is Communication in History: The Key to Understanding. For more information, visit the NHD Theme Page.
Clarity of your Presentation (20%)
This criteria is worth 20% in your final evaluation. Clarity of presentation focus on whether the entry is presented in an effective, original and creative manner.The judges will also consider an entry in compliance to the rules in the final consideration. Failure to follow the rules will count against an entry in the final decisions by the judges.
At every level of competition ALL JUDGES DECISIONS ARE FINAL!
Should I prepare a formal presentation for the judges?
No, you do not need to prepare an official presentation for the judges. They will read your paperwork, view your project, and then interview you about your project.
How many projects move on to the state contest?
The advancement number is based on the number of projects in each category at the regional contest. The general rule is that three from each category move on but sometimes if there are a lot of projects, the regions can send more. The number is a maximum for judges and they do not have to send on the maximum number.
How many projects move on to the national contest?
The top two projects in each category advance to the national contest.