Sacramento County History Day
As part of NHD-CA, Sacramento County History Day (SCHD) makes history come alive for students by engaging them in discovering the historical, cultural and social significance of the past. NHD engages Students through authentic historical inquiry on a topic of their choice. Their research, analysis, and interpretations are brought together to become their final projects which are displayed at school showcases.
Student projects can be entered at the county level and winners at Sac History Day advance to the state History Day competition.
Read below to learn more about history day in Sacramento.
Click below to learn more about starting a project.
Contact us:
[email protected]
Register Your School
Sign your school up to receive information and registration materials for the 2025 competition.
NHD Showcase Kickoff
New Teachers
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.
Students will present sample projects and answer questions, hear from a panel of experienced teachers, learn about rules, changes for 2025, theme, rubrics and skills based lessons.
Returning Teachers
Join us to learn about this year's NHD rules and competition updates and preparing your students for competition.
Wednesday, September 11th 2024
4:45 - 6:45 pm
Dinner Provided
Sacramento COE, 10474 Mather Blvd.
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.
Library Workshops
Sac State, in partnership with the Sacramento Public Library, will host student workshops in the fall and early winter to help students with their research and project development.
LIBRARY WORKSHOP 1
Launch Your History Day Project
Date: Wednesday, October 16 • 4:30-6:00 PM in Zoom
Pre-Registration: https://tinyurl.com/SHD-Library1
Learn the right way to begin your research using Google and Wikipedia to find quality primary and secondary sources. discover the libraries and archives available to you in Sacramento and online. All participants get a Sac Public Library card. Mentors will be available to work one-on-one with students.
LIBRARY WORKSHOP 2
Think Globally, Research Locally: Maximize Use of the Sac Public Library
Date: Thursday, November 7 • 4:30-6:00 PM in Zoom
Pre-Registration: https://tinyurl.com/SHD-Library2
Discover the wealth of History Day resources available through the Sac Public Library. Learn how to search library catalog and databases. Mentors will be available to work one-on-one with students.
LIBRARY WORKSHOP 3
How to use archives to strengthen your project
Date: Thursday, December 12 • 4:30-6:00 PM in Zoom
Pre-Registration: https://tinyurl.com/SHD-Library3
Archives are the heart of historical research – learn how to use archival collections online and in person in your History Day research. Mentors will be available to work one-on-one with students.
PROJECT RX
Mentors will test the “health” of your project using National History Day scoring rubric
Date: TBD
Pre-Registration:
Receive individual project feedback from experienced History Day judges in these areas: thesis strength, research quality, use of sources, historical context, significance in history, and connection to theme
2025 Sacramento County Competition
General Information
The 2025 Sacramento History Day Competition will take place on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at Sac State.
INTERVIEW SCHEDULES
Preview Category Upload – 2/27/25 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.
Documentary
Podcast
Website
Special Awards Upload - 2/27/25 Deadline
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.
Exhibits & Posters
Performances
Key Dates
Friday, January 17, 2025: Registration Opens
Thursday, February 13, 2025: Registration Deadline
Thursday, February 27, 2025: Documentaries, Podcasts & Websites Due
Optional – Thursday, February 27, 2025: Exhibit & Poster images and performance videos due to be considered for special awards.
Saturday, March 15, 2025: Sacramento County History Day Competition
Exhibits, Posters, Performances Due
Cost: $45 per student
Special Award Categories
Students may submit projects to be considered for special award prizes. These special awards are not related to the overall contest winners. The following Special Award categories will be recognized at the 2025 Sacramento History Day competition:
- Bill George Local History Day Award
- Chinese History Award
- U.S. Military Conflicts Award
- East Lawn History Award*
- Women's History Award
- Lawson Environmental Award
- Regional History Award
- Board of Supervisors Award**
- Sacramento Area History Award
- Sacramento History Award
- Black History Award
- Medical History Award
- World War 1 Award
*Project based on a burial at East Lawn, or cemetery based.
**Projects related to government.
Volunteer Judge Information
The Sacramento County History Day will take place in March 2025. 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 15, 2025
Times: 7:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Sac State