Research Days

Do you want to find more primary sources? Are you curious about archives? Would you like help reading old papers? Research Days can help!

Research and Library Days are held throughout the state at Historical Societies, Museums, and Libraries. Depending on the session, they’ll cover topic selection, research process, and help you find specific sources. Many of the host sites are also good places to look for topics or inspiration early on in the process. Check out the table below for locations and dates, and go the host site website for more details!

Two young girls look at archival materials
Event Dates Address Description Click for Registration
History Day Research at Howard County Libraries 10/3-12/5, 2024 Multiple Branches and Virtual Explore the Howard County Libraries’ National History Day®️ resources. On their website, you can find many amazing digital resources for your project, and dates for classes and drop-in research days at multiple branches across the county.   Find Resources, Event Dates, and Registration HERE!
National History Day Student Research Appointment at the Maryland Center for History and Culture By Appointment 610 Park Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21201

Explore the library catalog of the Maryland Center for History and Culture to see what resources they offer. Found something related to your topic? Schedule an appointment with their staff to view Special Collections items in person. Research appointments are free for all students!

To learn more about researching for NHD at the Maryland Center for History and Culture visit their NHD page.

Register for a Special Collections Research Appointment 

 

Information on Visits to the Reading Room (no appointment necessary)
Enoch Pratt Library – One on One with a Librarian By Appointment In Person or Virtual

We are ready to help you with your library research needs! Book a free 60 minute appointment, in-person, by phone, or on video chat to learn from a subject specialist librarian.

Please fill out the form, and a librarian will get back to you within two business days to confirm a date and time. Same day appointments are not available.

 Click Here

  • “History Day has taught men how to interpret and effective use primary sources in my writing to create and support claims. Now I am much more likely to explore databases, go to libraries, and explore further external sources for credible and effective sources.”

    Maryland History Day 2019 Student

  • “The students are now far more prepared for the high level of scholarship and achievement that will be expected of them in future years. MHD also elevated many other skills too. These include public speaking, the use of technology, learning to collaborate.”

    ​Maryland History Day teacher

  • I’ve loved judging! It’s exciting to see the passion the middle schoolers have put in their projects. I hope that my critiques have helped strive for excellence throughout their lives.

    Dee Krasnansky, Maryland History Day Judge

  • “By using a variety of sources, I was able to get angles on my topic that I wasn’t able to before. Also, I learned so much about a topic near and dear to my heart that will enrich my learning later in life.”

    Maryland History Day 2015 Student

  • “History Day inspired me to become deeply invested in historical topics which I never thought I’d enjoy. It is an amazing experience that has the ability to make learning fun for everyone, no matter what you’re interested in.”

    Addie Skillman, National History Day Gold Winner

  • “It provided an opportunity for my child to learn through experiential opportunities. He had interviews and tours that were relevant to his topic that helped the history come alive and create unforgettable memories.”

    Maryland History Day 2015 Parent

  • “My students went deeper with primary and secondary sources than ever before. They used critical thinking skills and applied the transfer goals and essential questions on a deeper level than they could have in class. It challenged them to think deeper and defend their findings.”

    Maryland History Day 2019 Teacher

  • “The researching and communicating skills have made me a more confident person in all academic endeavors. These are skills that will last me a lifetime.”

    ​Maryland History Day student participant

  • “I had never done anything like this before so it was a totally new experience to write a paper, be interviewed, and defend my positions. I now really know how to do research and it has improved my writing skills.”

    ​Maryland History Day 2015 Student

  • “[My son] became a real expert in his topic and, he says, developed a life-long love of history, especially the history of music. I cannot thank you enough for this rare and incredible opportunity.”

    Andrea LeWinter, parent of Maryland History Day participant

  • “We were very impressed with the depth of research all the students did for their History Day projects. It was fun to see them interacting with each other during the competition and events.”

    Lori and Josh Skillman, History Day Parents

  • “The part of History Day that had the most impact on me was seeing all the other entries and entry categories. It was really inspiring to see so many different people of history honored for their leadership and legacy as that was this years theme. You forget that the whole world has a history and there are so many different people and leaders who make up that history. The fact that this day brings together all of us students, our imaginations, our creativity, research skills, and history really reminds you how much of us would be lost if we didn’t remember those who made an impact.”

    ​Maryland History Day student participant

  • “I think the continual process of improving her research and presentation through the various levels of competition has been incredibly valuable. It has caused her to dig deeper in her research and build upon and refine her work and presentation.”

    ​Maryland History Day parent

  • “[The students] learned a variety of ways to present their material and they could focus on what they wanted to learn about. The students had a choice in their learning. It was about their learning NOT what someone else felt they need to learn.”

    ​Maryland History Day teacher

  • “The thing that had the most impact were the skills that I got from this project. I developed better hunting skills in terms of looking for reliable sources and I also learned to work hard and not procrastinate to achieve something great.”

    Maryland History Day student participant
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