Theme and Topics

2023 Theme: "Frontiers in History: People, Places, Ideas"

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

• 2023 NHD Theme Sheet (PDF)
• 2023 NHD Theme Book (PDF) 
• 2023 NHD Theme Video
• 2023 Minnesota Theme Narrative
• Request for access to Minnesota PowerPoint Theme Presentation
• 2023 Minnesota Theme Video Presentation 
• MN Theme PowerPoint and Video Guided Questions (PDF, Google Doc)

Topic ideas and brainstorming

• Topic List (PDF)
• Novice Topic List (PDF)
• Topic Weebly Brainstorm
• MN Historical Society Research Guides
• East Side Freedom Library Topic List 

Graphic organizers and worksheets 

• Weaving the History Day theme (PDF, Google Doc)
• Finding the Right Theme Connection (PDF, Google Doc)
• Topic and Theme Exploration (PDF, Google Doc)

Future History Day themes

• 2024: 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.​​

• 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