What is Ohio History Day?

Ohio History Day (OHD) is an affiliate of National History Day (NHD), a free inter-disciplinary and project-based learning program that meets Ohio’s Learning Standards and allows students of all abilities to tell the stories that inspire them! OHD is for students in grades 6-12, with a modified youth program for grades 4-5.

Ohio History Day teaches students to:

  • Conduct research in local, state, national and world history
  • Analyze and synthesize information including primary and secondary sources
  • Write and present an argument
  • Create imaginative exhibits, documentaries, papers, performances, and websites
  • Participate in action civics
  • Develop self-esteem and confidence

Students may participate in OHD as part of a class assignment, extracurricular, homeschool project, or individual enrichment. They also have the opportunity to participate in three levels of competition: region, state and national. Students in grades 6-12 who receive recognition at the regional contest qualify for the statewide contest each April. First and second-place entries at Ohio History Day State Competition are eligible to participate in the National History Day contest held each June at the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland.

Thanks to our Sponsors

The Ohio History Connection is proud to be the state sponsor of the National History Day program in Ohio since 1995! Special thanks to our State Contest Champion Sponsor, Ohio's 529 Plan, CollegeAdvantage, and the William K. Laidlaw Jr. Memorial Endowment Fund for their support of Ohio's students and this program.

Contact Us!

Questions about Ohio History Day? Call us at 614.297.2646 or send us a message by visiting our Contact Us page and selecting "History Day" from the drop-down menu.

Ohio History Day Office is located at the Ohio History Center: 800 E 17th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211

Did You Know?

Ohio History Day is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2024!

National History Day began as a small, local contest in Cleveland, Ohio in 1974.

Dr. David Van Tassel and members of the Department of History at Case Western Reserve University created the program to reinvigorate the teaching and learning of history in elementary and secondary schools.