Category Rules • Documentary • Exhibit • Historical paper • Performance • Web Site Definitions • annotated bibliography • historical context • historical perspective • plagiarism • primary source • process paper • secondary source • yearly theme

Project Categories

Documentary
A documentary should demonstrate your ability to use audiovisual media to communicate your research and your topic's historical significance in a 10-minute presentation. There are separate group and individual categories for documentaries. The documentary categories are available in both the junior division (grades 6-8) and the senior division (grades 9-12).

Exhibit
An exhibit is a visual presentation of your research and your interpretation of your topic's significance in history, much like a small museum exhibit. There are separate group and individual categories for exhibits. The exhibit categories are available in both the junior division (grades 6-8) and the senior division (grades 9-12). There is also a fifth-grade division for exhibits with separate categories for individual and group projects.

Historical Paper
A paper is the traditional form of presenting historical research. Historical papers must be at least 1,500 words but no more than 2,500 words in length. There is no group category for historical papers; only individuals may enter projects in this category. The historical paper contest category is available in both the junior division (grades 6-8) and the senior division (grades 9-12).

Performance
A performance is an original, dramatic 10-minute portrayal of your subject, demonstrating your research and your topic's historical significance. There are separate group and individual categories for performances. The performance categories are available in both the junior division (grades 6-8) and the senior division (grades 9-12).

Web Site
A Web site should demonstrate your ability to present your subject visually using computer technology, communicating your research and your topic's historical significance much as professional Web sites do. Individuals and groups compete together in this category. The Web site category is available in both the junior division (grades 6-8) and the senior division (grades 9-12).

Rule requirements for all categories are set by National History Day. You must follow these mandatory rules for your chosen category, as well as the general rules applicable to all contest entries. A checklist of rule requirements is provided for each category to help you follow these rules.

Please click here for more information about the judging process.