NHD Rulebook
The National History Day Contest Rule Book has all the information you need on general and category-specific contest rules as well as a breakdown on how entries are judged. For a downloadable pdf copy of the rule book click the link below. Please note: the Rule Book has been revised for 2021. Click here for a list of signigicant changes.
Disqualification
A project may be disqualified from the contest on three grounds:
- Plagiarizing all or part of the NHD project. Please note that failing to give proper credit is plagiarism
- Reusing, individually or as a group, a project (or research from a project) from a previous year, or entering a project in multiple contests or entry categories within a contest year.
- Tampering with any part of the project of another student.
Student Conduct
Participants in Ohio History Day State Contest represent not only themselves but their schools and affiliate regions as well, and are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects that. In particular, please note the following:
- You may not physically harm, threaten to harm, or harass any person, including provoking and/or engaging in physical fights or malicious pranks.
- Alcoholic beverages or other drugs are expressly prohibited except those prescribed by a physician.
- You may not tamper with the fire system or fire safety equipment. You may not set or fuel a fire of any size.
In addition, as guest of Capital University you are expected to comply with all campus rules. See page 5 of Capital's Student Handbook for more information.
About Us
The Ohio History Connection, formerly the Ohio Historical Society, is a statewide history organization with the mission to spark discovery of Ohio’s stories. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization chartered in 1885, the Ohio History Connection carries out history services for Ohio and its citizens focused on preserving and sharing the state’s history. This includes housing the state historic preservation office, the official state archives, local history office and managing more than 50 sites and museums across Ohio. For more information on programs and events, visit https://www.ohiohistory.org.
Mission
Spark discovery of Ohio's stories. Embrace the present, share the past and transform the future.
Core Values
- Relevance- Addressing and communicating the significance of history with Ohio's diverse people
- Authenticity- Valuing artifacts and true stories of history
- Inclusivity- Appealing to all Ohioans, especially underserved audiences
- Stewardship- Protecting the evidence of Ohio history
- Working Together- Pursuing teamwork and sharing authority and responsibility
Logistics
Contest Date: Saturday, April 20, 2024
Location: Capital University
1 College and Main
Columbus, OH 43209
Campus Directions: For directions to and around Capital campus please see the Campus Map
Parking: Parking is free and available throughout Capital's campus. Please note the parking icons on the map, and be sure to adhere to designated campus parking. Cars that are parked alongside campus roads risk being towed by campus security. For more information see Capital's Parking Policies.
Hotels: For a list of hotels near Capital University in Columbus and Bexley see www.capital.edu/admission-aid/schedule-a-visit/planning-your-visit/
Food: A list of dining options can be found under the "Bexley" heading on the following page: www.capital.edu/student-life/a-capital-city/
Sample Schedule**
Exhibits - you must set up your exhibit between 8:00 am and 9:00 am. All exhibits will register at the Capital Center off of Pleasant Ridge Avenue.
All other projects - Register on the first floor of Capital Center off of East Mound Street. Please plan to arrive at least 60 minutes prior to your judge time.
- 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. - Exhibit Hall Registration (Capital Center). The exhibit hall will be closed for set-up after 9 a.m.
- 8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. - Documentary, Performance, Website, Paper Categories will register about an hour before their scheduled judge time (Capital Center).
- 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Judging (All Entries)
- 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Youth Registration for all categories at Captial Center Exhibit Hall open for Public Viewing
- 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Finals Round Judging. Youth Division judging of All Entries
- 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Exhibit Hall open for Public Viewing/Project Pick-up
- 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Awards Ceremony (Capital Center)
- 5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. - National Qualifier Meeting
** Schedule subject to change
How will my project be judged?
When your project is judged the judges are evaluating your project using two different levels of criteria.
Historical Quality (80%)
The Historical Quality of your project is worth 80% when it comes to the judges final decision. Historical quality focuses on accuracy of facts, analysis and interpretation of the material, an understanding of historical context, a wide array research represented in the annotated bibliography, a balanced presentation of your materials (un biased) and the use of available primary sources. This section also includes your topic's connection to the annual theme. This year's theme is Debate & Diplomacy in History: Successes, Failures, Consequences. For more information, visit the NHD Theme Page.
Clarity of your Presentation (20%)
This criteria is worth 20% in your final evaluation. Clarity of presentation focus on whether the entry is presented in an effective, original and creative manner.In addition, whether the students' own voice is apparent in the entry will also be evaluated.The judges will also consider an entry in compliance to the rules in the final consideration. Failure to follow the rules will count against an entry in the final decisions by the judges.
At every level of competition ALL JUDGES DECISIONS ARE FINAL!
How many projects move on to the state contest?
The advancement number is based on the number of projects in each category at the regional contest. The general rule is that three from each category move on but sometimes if there are a lot of projects, the regions can send more. The number is a maximum for judges and they do not have to send on the maximum number.
How many projects move on to the national contest?
The top two projects in each category advance to the national contest.