New York City History Day

Congratulations to our 2026 New York City History Day Participants!

New York City History Day 2026 has ended. You can find a full list of Contest Winners Here! Check back for information on the 2027 NYC History Day contest.

New York City History Day (NYCHD) is a program where students in grades 6-12 create projects based on original historical research and analysis. Students have the opportunity to win prizes and progress to the State and National History Day (NHD) contests. This year's theme is "Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History."

Important 2026 Contest Updates:

• Documentary category submissions will be judged at the in-person contest on March 1, 2026. To submit to this category, as well as the performance and exhibit categories, you must be able to attend the event on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at the Central Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library in Grand Army Plaza.
• Beginning in 2026, schools will only be able to submit two projects per category. For example: each school can submit up to two individual documentaries and two group documentaries but cannot submit three individual documentaries.
• The History Day theme for 2026 is Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History.

NYCHD is FREE for all New York City students!

There are no entrance fees associated with New York City History Day and the Center for Brooklyn History will cover fees for students who qualify for the State and National Contest. Travel scholarships are also be available. NYCHD invites entries in the junior (middle school) and senior (high school) divisions for the following categories: Documentary, Exhibit, Paper, Performance, and Website.

Find Resources:

STUDENTS   TEACHERS   FAQs + MORE

Click HERE to access slides from the 2026 kickoff by CBH Chief Historian, Dominique Jean-Louis to learn more about the annual theme and finding a topic right for you!

Key Dates

• New York State History Day Registration due April 14 (you must qualify at the NYC contest to register for NYS)
• New York State History Day April 26, 2026 at SUNY Oneonta

2026 Contest Dates

• Registration for New York City History Day: January 5 - February 4, 2026
• Virtual Judging: Papers, and Websites: February 12 - March 1, 2026
• In-Person Judging: Documentaries, Exhibits, and Performances: Sunday, March 1, 2026
• Award Ceremony: Thursday, March 5, 2026

First and Second place winners of the New York City Contest will be eligible for the New York State contest held at SUNY Oneonta on Sunday, April 26, 2026. CBH can help students and families participating plan for the trip and provide transportation and lodging. The First and Second place winners at the State level will be eligible for the National Contest held at the University of Maryland in College Park, MD June 14 - 18, 2026. CBH can provide financial assistance for students going to NHD.

New York City History Day is generously supported by the Morris and Alma Schapiro Fund.