The Northeastern University School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs is excited to work with the Massachusetts Historical Society on National History Day, providing resources on public policy and urban issues, for participating students.
THe northeastner School of pUblic Policy and Urban Affairs is partnering with Massachusetts Historical Society to offer support and resources to students and teachers in Massachusetts with their National History Day projects. We invite students who are looking into a public policy or urban policy issue for their National History Day project to please contact us for more support and resources.
Research assistance and appointments
If you need assistance with your research, please contact xyx….
Research Theme
Every year, the National History Day sets a yearly theme. For 2025 the theme is Rights and Responsibilities in History.
Studying the past to inform the present and shape the future
NHD reaches more than half a million students and tens of thousands of teachers each year via its international student history contest and its wide range of teacher professional development programs, curriculum tools, and other educational activities.
NHD’s core program is its competition in which students in grades 6–12 choose a topic and dive deeply into the past by conducting extensive research in libraries, archives, and museums. They then present their conclusions and evidence through papers, exhibits, performances, documentaries, or websites, moving through a series of contest levels where they are evaluated by professional historians and educators.
Through this process, students develop skills in communication, project management, and historical thinking. Their teachers do as well.
The Need
History education matters. Studying the past helps us make sense of the present to move forward into the future. History education is essential for participatory citizenship. Knowing where we came from helps us understand where we are going. In the process, studying the past builds empathy and hones research, writing, and analytical skills.
An independent study confirmed that students who participate in NHD outperform their peers in ways that extend far beyond the classroom and the competition.
The Contest
Each year, students around the world discover history through National History Day® by creating historical research projects. Through the process, students develop skills in communication, project management, and historical thinking. The Policy School aims to work with these students, allowing them to discuss their historical research and have a faculty member who has expertise in that topic be a resource to the students.