Orange County History Day
Welcome to the world of NHD-OC, where we ignite a love for history through our county-level History Day competition and Awards Ceremony held every March. Our commitment extends beyond the event itself as we provide support to teachers through our dedicated Teacher Training session. Collaborating with archivists and local librarians, we present an enlightening How To student event, empowering students to explore primary and secondary sources while receiving expert guidance in topic selection and research initiation. Join us and unlock the extraordinary opportunities that NHD-OC offers. Let's embark on an unforgettable journey into the realm of history together!
Contact us:
[email protected]
View website here
NHD Virtual Kickoff
Step into the world of historical inquiry and project-based learning. Learn how this approach empowers students with voice and choice, making their learning experience more engaging and meaningful.
Date: Thursday, September 10th 2026
New to NHD-OC - Time: 4:30 - 5:30 pm
Join us for an introduction to NHD-OC to learn about the ins and outs of registration, theme overview, project resources, NHD tips and more.
NHD-OC Coaches Time: 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Join us to learn about this year's NHD rules and competition updates and preparing your students for competition.
Teacher Workshop
Implement Inquiry Through History Day
Tuesday, September 17, 2024.
Foster student voice and choice through historical inquiry with the National History Day program.
Participants will work to create a historical inquiry experience for all learners, supporting critical thinking, writing, and research skills.
Intent to Participate
Sign your school up to receive information and registration materials for the 2026 competition.
How To Event
Discover how innovation changed history. Join this interactive workshop to explore the 2027 Naitonal History Day theme, Innovation in History: Impact, Influence, Change. Learn how to choose a compelling topic, develop strong research questions, locate primary and secondary sources, and create a successful national History Day project. Students, teachers, parents, and coaches are welcome.
VIRTUAL
Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Time: 4:00 - 5:30 pm
Register here
Flyer here
County Competition
The 2027 NHD-OC Competition will take place on Saturday, March 13, 2026 at the Orange County Department of Education.
INTERVIEW SCHEDULES
Preview Category Upload – 2/22/27 Deadline
The following categories must submit projects early for judges to preview prior to the SCHD contest. No additional Special Award uploads are necessary for these categories.
Key Dates
Thursday, September 10, 2026: NHD-OC Kickoff
Thursday, September 24, 2026: NHD-OC How To Event
Friday, December 11, 2026: Intent to Participate Submission Due
Tuesday, January 19, 2027: Registration Opens ($50 school fee)
Tuesday, January 26, 2027: Registration Closes 8:59 pm
Monday, February 1, 2027: Late Registration Closes 4:00 pm (late fees apply)
Tuesday, February 9, 2027: Last day to drop w/o incurring fees
Friday, February 19, 2027: Special Awards Nomination Deadline
Monday, February 22, 2027: Documentaries, Podcasts & Websites Due by 8:59 pm (websites locked)
Monday, February 22, 2027: Written materials due for all categories (except poster) by 8:59 pm
Saturday, March 13, 2027: NHD-OC Contest
Cost: $60 per student (Late registration $75 per student)
Wednesday, March 17, 2027: NHD-OC Awards Ceremony
Special Awards
Optional – Students may submit projects to be considered for Special Award prizes. Use the links below to upload your project for Special Award judging. Note: Documentaries, Websites, & Podcast do not need to complete an additional upload. All projects in these categories will be considered.
Volunteer Judge Information
NHD-OC will take place in March 2027. Students will submit exhibits, posters, documentaries, websites, podcasts and performances. Judges are needed to score projects, conduct student interviews, and provide feedback.
When: Saturday, March 13, 2027
Times: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM (sessions available morning, afternoon, or both)
Location: Orange County Department of Education
Sign Up to Judge
Opens in December