About NHD Utah

NHD Utah is an official National History Day affiliate. Formerly called Utah History Day, this program has operated continuously in Utah since 1980. Last year, more than 6,500 Utah students in 4th through 12th grade participated in History Day, learning how to conduct real historical research and then create a final project that showcases their work.  

NHD Utah is operated by the Utah Division of State History located in the historic Rio Grande Depot in Salt Lake City, home of the Utah State Historical Society, Library and Collections, Utah Historical Quarterly, and next door to the Utah State Archives. 

Contact Us: 
NHD Utah
Utah Division of State History
3760 South Highland Drive
Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Phone: 801.245.7253
Email: historyday@utah.gov

Contest Day Information

Competition Schedule*
8:00-9:00      Student Check In & Exhibit Setup
9:00-12:00    Judging 
TBA                Awards Ceremony
* This schedule is subject to change. 

First Round Information
All entries will be judged during the first round of competition, which runs from 9:00-12:00 (for most categories). Students should be at their judging location at least 15 minutes prior to their scheduled time. All students are interviewed by the judges during the first round. 

In categories with more than 10 entries, morning judges will select the top entries to advance to the final round.

Final Round Information
There are no interviews in the final round. Therefore, only those students competing in the Performance or Documentary categories are required to attend the final round, should they qualify. Bring extra copies of your process paper and annotated bibliography to give to the second round judges.

Finalists in the Exhibit, Paper, and Website categories are not posted. Results are announced for all categories at the Awards Ceremony.

NHD JUDGING CRITERIA

NHD Judging Criteria Printable

Historical Argument

• My project makes an argument based on my own analysis of the historical evidence I discovered during my research.
• I make meaningful connections to the annual theme throughout my project.

Wide Research

• I used a wide variety of credible secondary and primary sources in my research. 
• I used different types of secondary and primary sources.
• I did not rely on Wikipedia as a secondary source. 

Primary Sources

• The primary sources in my project form the evidence for my argument. 
• I analyze the primary sources.  They are more than simple decorations.

Historical Context

• I discuss the relevant historical context for my topic, setting the stage so that my project shows change over time.

Multiple Perspectives

• I used sources that have different perspectives on my topic.
• My project explores the different sides of the story.

Historical Accuracy

• The information in my project is true and factual to the best of my knowledge.
• I rely on credible sources of information.
• I do not rely on opinion.

Significance in History

• I discuss the short-term and long-term outcomes of my topic.
• I explain how my topic changed history, and why it matters.

Student Voice

• I use my own voice to present the information in my project.
• My ideas, analysis, and argument are presented in my own words.

Clarity of Presentation: Visuals, Writing, Audio, Technical

• My project uses writing, multimedia, performance, web design, and/or art creatively to present my findings.
• My project and all written materials are clear, easy to read/view and understand.   
• The organization of information in my project is logical.
• I have corrected spelling and grammar errors in my written materials.
• Technical elements of my project are executed to the best of my ability.