National History Day ® (NHD) programs are open to all students and teachers without regard to race, religion, physical abilities, economic status, gender, or sexual orientation. NHD staff and coordinators strive to accommodate students with disabilities.

How to Use This Book

This edition of the Contest Rule Book contains important rule revisions. It is your source for the rules that apply to all NHD contests from the Regional to the National levels. Your entry must follow these rules at these competition levels. However, the NHD program is flexible at the school level. Your teacher may adapt some of the rules or create other requirements. Please follow your teacher’s adaptations or requirements for school-level competitions.

Read this Contest Rule Book carefully before you begin work on your entry. Because this book is updated every few years, be certain you are using the most current edition.

This is the Contest Rule Book for all NHD contest levels.

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