What is Vermont History Day?

Every April, hundreds of Vermont students share their learning at the annual Vermont History Day state contest. As students create these projects, they develop research and historical thinking skills. They explore content and gain life skills through project based learning and the study of history. Students who win at the state contest qualify for National History Day in June.

Vermont students in grades 5 through 12 and homeschool students ages 10 to 18 can compete in Vermont History Day. Students exercise their voice and choice by selecting a topic related to the annual theme and presenting their research as an exhibit, website, documentary, performance or paper. Working individually or in small groups (up to 5), students can explore a topic related to Vermont history, US history or world history. Vermont History Day is a great venue for personalized learning.

Students explore change, continuity and context as they conduct research online and in libraries, museums, and historical societies. Using evidence from primary sources and interviews with experts, students examine multiple perspectives and draw conclusions. At the state contest, students present their claims to local historians, educators, and other professionals who participate as judges.

Through their work, students act as historians and become experts on a wide range of topics. With the guidance of teachers, students learn history by doing history.