Alameda County History Day
Welcome to the National History Day program and contest in Alameda County! Students all over the U.S. each year research a topic in history and relate it to the annual theme. There are a wide range of topics available and many different methods for publishing research. Students can write a historical paper, produce an exhibit, create a documentary, publish a website, produce a podcast or act out a performance.
After completing a project, students have another choice: whether to participate or to compete. Winners from schools may move on to the county contest; winners at county may move on to National History Day - California; the state, and winners at state may move onto National History Day. Ultimately, the project is about learning. Whether you are a history or language arts or English teacher, doing some type of history day project teaches important research skills aligned to the Common Core and the new California State History Social Science Framework, and is the ultimate hands-on, inquiry based, project learning experience for students.
There are few experiences as exciting as participating in history day! We look forward to seeing you at Alameda County History Day!
Click below to start learning about starting a project!
Contact us:
[email protected]
Library Workshop at Cal State East Bay
National History Day Alameda County is pleased to offer a Research Day for students from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday, November 1, at Cal State East Bay Library. Students will have assistance using the university databases and will be able (with a parent) to check out books. Registration must be completed by Friday, October 17, 2025.
Through the generosity of a Friend of National History Day Alameda County, college and graduate students will be available to guide students through the research process.
Schedule:
- 10-11 AM (orientation; required)
- 11-2 pm (guided research; stay as long as is helpful)
Requirements:
Because it is impossible for a teacher to supervise students in a multi-story library, each student must have an accompanying parent or guardian. One parent may supervise multiple students.
How to Register:
- You must fill out the Registration form by October 17th
- Download and complete the Liability Waiver
What to Bring
- Your Research Plan/Questions
- Chromebook or similar device
- Pencil and paper
- Questions and an open mind
- Lunch or snacks
Hope to see you there!
2026 Contest
Thank you for joining us for our 2026 Contest! We look forward to seeing you next year!
Contest Registration
Contest Registration opens on February 3rd and closes on February 17th.
County Competition
The 2026 Alameda History Day Competition will take place on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Centerville Middle School in Fremont, CA.
Key Dates
Tuesday, February 3, 2026: Registration Opens
Tuesday, February 17, 2026: Registration Deadline
Saturday, February 28, 2026: Written Materials and Links Due: All Materials for Projects are due. Links for Documentaries, Podcasts & Websites Due
Saturday, March 7, 2026: Alameda County History Day Competition
Exhibits, Posters, Performances Due
Cost: $35 per student (fee due at contest -- Cash or Check ONLY)
Judge and Volunteer Information
The Sacramento County History Day will take place in March 2026. Students will submit exhibits, posters, documentaries, websites, podcasts and performances. Judges are needed to score projects, conduct student interviews, and provide feedback. We also need volunteers to help run the contest.