“Students get to go somewhere so far out of their experience and learn about the past in ways they take with them for the rest of their lives.”

– Liz Taylor, Teacher
J.R. Masterman Laboratory & Demonstration School

History in Your Hands

NHD Philly is a project-based approach to history that uplifts student voices and facilitates lifelong inquiry and creativity.

• NHD Philly is the local affiliate of National History Day. This competition is for all Philadelphia students in grades 6-12.
• Working under an annual theme, students choose the story they want to tell as well as how to tell it, from paper writing to stage performance.
• The work culminates each March when students from across the city gather to compete at the National Consitution Center.
• NHD Philly is and always will be free to participate in.

History in Your Voice

Are you interested in what NHD Philly can do for your young learners?

A Historic Home

The Historical Society of Pennsylvania serves as the home base institution for NHD Philly! As one of the nation’s largest archives of historical documents, HSP is the perfect starting point on the NHD Philly journey. HSP connects students and teachers with resources and guidance throughout the course of an NHD Philly project. HSP and NHD Philly can help make history yours.

The NHD Philly 2026 program has been made possible by support from the following:

The Connelly Foundation

Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts at the University of Pennsylvania

The Brook J. Lenfest Foundation, c/o the Philadelphia Foundation

The 1830 Family Foundation, c/o Glenmede

National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

The Lily Foundation

The Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation

The Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation

The Pennsylvania Abolition Society Endowment Fund of the Philadelphia Foundation,

following a recommendation of Ms. Cindy Little

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Our Community Partners

NHD Philly is dedicated to making the program equitable and accessible. We rely on partner and community support to help realize this goal and ensure that any Philadelphia student who wants to participate in NHD Philly, can participate in NHD Philly. Help support NHD Philly’s mission today!