National History Day in NH
NHD is an education program designed to help students to engage in history by designing and completing original research on a topic of interest. Nearly one million students participate nationwide. New Hampshire's program has been hosted by Plymouth State University in Plymouth, NH since 2003.
What is NHD?
Students work as individuals or collaborative groups of 2-5, to research and present their historical analysis in one of five categories; Paper, Exhibit, Documentary, Performance, or Web Site. The organization of these pairings is entirely up to the discretion of the participating teacher or school. Every school organizes it differently.
Plymouth State will host the NH state competition stage of this process.
What are the benefits of NHD?
Students who participate in NHD have improved learning outcomes. NHD students outperform their non-NHD peers on state standardized tests in multiple subjects, including reading, science and math, as well as social studies. NHD students are better writers, who write with a purpose and real voice, and marshal solid evidence to support their point of view. NHD has a positive impact among students whose interest in academic subjects may wane in high school.
Where is it held?
Plymouth State has hosted NHDNH since 2003. It was brought to PSU by professors Dr. Patrick May and Dr. John Krueckeberg who led it for 20 years. Since 2022, after being involved in NHDNH for over a decade, Kelsie Brook Eckert assumed the role of State Coordinator. Jacqui Nelson, a longtime judge, is now the Judge Coordinator. Preservice teachers enrolled in the History and Social Studies Education program helping 5-12 students at the school level research and build their projects as well as judging school competitions for larger schools.
"Watching kids grow over the year and take responsibility for their projects. It's amazing to see what students are capable of when they are given a topic and project that interests them. Not only have I had the high-achieving kids succeed but I have also brought struggling student to the national competition."
New Hampshire Teacher
"NHDNH has been a very rewarding experience with the students who participate at states and nationals... having experienced this both as a parent and a teacher... it is hard work. Why do I continue to do this year after year? The ultimate reason is the kids... I know that I have changed their life in a positive way."
New Hampshire Teacher