Student Conduct:
Students are expected to conduct themselves, both in person and online, in a manner that brings credit to themselves, their schools, and the affiliates they represent. Chaperones are responsible for the behavior of the students in their charge.
NHD Rules and Policies for Participants:
Please remember that National History Day is concerned not only for the safety and well-being of students, but also for upholding the wishes of parents, teachers, school principals, and the many supporters who have vested interest in the students' participation. As guests at the Univeristy of Maryland, you are expected to abide by the same rules the University has established for its students. To ensure that your stay is pleasant and trouble-free, you must observe the following rules:
You may not physically harm, threaten to harm, or harass any person, including provoking and/or engaging in physical fights or malicious pranks
Alcholic beverages or other drugs are expressly prohibited except those prescribed by a doctor
Possession of any weapons, firecrackers, or other flammable materials is prohibited. You may not tamper with the fire system or fire safety equipment. You may not set or fuel a fire of any size.
You are responsible for complying with the requests of all chaperones and Univeristy of Maryland officials, including cooperating in cases where you are aware of rules being broken by other students.
National History Day Contest Rules
NHD Rule Book
Judging Policy
Contest Advancement Policy
About Us...
At the Agricultural Heritage Museum, we strive to offer reliable and noteworthy information. Please contact your regional coordinator or the state coordinator if you have any questions regarding the contest. We hope you enjoy your participation with National History Day, and we look forward to seeing you!
Regionals: March 7, 2024, Old Courthouse Museum, Sioux Falls
State Competition: April 10, 2024, South Dakota State University (8am-5:30pm)
Contact us:
Region 1 Coordinator: Kevin Gansz kgansz@minnehahacounty.gov
Old Courthouse Museum (605) 367-4210
Agricultural Heritage Museum (605) 688-6226
State Coordinator: Sarah Jacobs sarah.jacobs@sdstate.edu
What to Expect During the contest
Doors open at the Old Courthouse Museum at 8 am.
There is very limited free 2 hour parking behind the museum. There is metered parking around the building. The meters are enforced starting at 9 am.
Set up takes place between 8 am and 9 am. Judging begins promptly at 9 am.
The only categories where an audience can be present is for performances and documentaries. At the conclusion of the performance or documentary, the audience must leave the room while students meet with the judges. The audience will be let back into the room before the next project begins. Only the student(s) whose project is being evaluated and the judges will be allowed in the room during the judging of papers, websites, and exhibits. The exhibit hall will open to the public once all judging has been completed. This category usually takes the longest amount of time to judge and will most likely open up just prior to the awards ceremony.
Judges will need time to deliberate. The awards ceremony will take place at approximately 1pm. This time is subject to change based on the judging schedule.
Judging Criteria
As a judge, there are things to look for in every category
Historical Quality (80%)
- Historical accuracy
- Historical context
- Analysis and interpretation
- Historical Argument
- Use of available primary sources
- Balanced research with multiple perspectives
- Historical Significance
- Student Voice
Clarity of Presentation (20%)
- Presentation and written materials are original, clear, appropriate, organized, and articulate
- Entry is organzied; visual impact is appropriate topic
HERE is our judging policy
HERE are our judging rubrics