Theme and Topics

Banner that reads "rights and responsibilities in history"

2025 Theme: "Rights and Responsibilities in History"

Each year, the National History Day office chooses a theme to help students direct their research. Students must make a connection between the theme and their topic. The themes that are chosen are broad, allowing students to research topics on all levels from local history to ancient history. In order to draw a connection to the theme, students must understand the historical significance of their topic and answer questions about time, place, and context. Understanding the impact and significance of the topic will help define why the topic is important and draw this connection to the theme.

General theme resources

Topic ideas and brainstorming

Graphic organizers and worksheets 

Future History Day themes

  • 2026: TBD

Past History Day themes

Themes are staggered so that your students won't repeat a theme, even if they participate in History Day every year.​​

  • 1990 - Science and Technology in History
  • 1991 - Rights in History
  • 1992 - Discovery, Encounter, Exchange in History
  • 1993 - Communication in History
  • 1994 - Geography in History
  • 1995 - Conflict and Compromise in History
  • 1996 - Taking a Stand in History
  • 1997 - Triumph and Tragedy in History
  • 1998 - Migration in History
  • 1999 - Science and Technology in History
  • 2000 - Turning Points in History
  • 2001 - Frontiers in History
  • 2002 - Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History
  • 2003 - Rights and Responsibilities in History
  • 2004 - Exploration, Encounter, Exchange in History
  • 2005 - Communication in History: The Key to Understanding
  • 2006 - Taking a Stand in History
  • 2007 - Triumph and Tragedy in History
  • 2008 - Conflict and Compromise in History
  • 2009 - The Individual in History: Actions and Legacies
  • 2010 - Innovation in History: Impact and Change
  • 2011 - Debate and Diplomacy in History: Successes, Failures, Consequences
  • 2012 - Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History
  • 2013 - Turning Points in History: People, Ideas, Events
  • 2014 - Rights and Responsibilities in History
  • 2015 - Leadership and Legacy in History
  • 2016 - Exploration, Encounter, Exchange in History
  • 2017 - Taking a Stand in History
  • 2018 - Conflict and Compromise in History
  • 2019 - Triumph and Tragedy in History
  • 2020 - Breaking Barriers in History
  • 2021 - Communication in History: The Key to Understanding
  • 2022 - Debate and Diplomacy in History: Successes, Failures, Consequences
  • 2023 - Frontiers in History: People, Places, Ideas
  • 2024 - Turning Points in History
  • 2025 - Rights and Responsibilities in History