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Illinois History Day


 

Illinois History Day is a dynamic, project-based learning program for grades 6–12, think Science Fair, but for HISTORY! The program is designed to enhance teaching and learning of history through research, analysis, and discovery. Students research and develop their projects for regional competitions. Superior projects advance to the statewide competition for consideration for the National History Day competition in Washington, D.C. 

Illinois State Museum - Illinois History Day

Join our FREE, VIRTUAL professional development courses to discover how this exciting program can inspire your students to dive deep, think critically, and showcase their historical research skills.  The courses will cover three topics including IHD 101, IHD Theme 2026 National History Day theme—Revolution, Reaction, and Reform in history, and Finding a Topic that Fits. Each course may be used for one professional development hour credit.


LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

TEACHERS!!

 

Meet our Illinois State Coordinator and learn about Illinois History Day then fill out the teacher interest form below, so your students can join the fun!!

Teacher Interest Form

JUDGES and VOLUNTEERS!!

 

Learn all about the Illinois History Day Judging Process, then fill out the judging/volunteer interest form below – we are so thankful for your help!!

Judging/Volunteer Interest Form

National History Day 1st Place winner reaches out in support of Illinois History Day!

Abigail Peterson won 1st place at the 2019 National History Day National contest. Now a graduate student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Abigail spoke with ISM's Illinois History Day state coordinator, Laura Mitchelle, all about her history day experience.

Check out the award winning website!

Northern Illinois Regional Contest
Julie Junod - regional coordinator
julie.junod@burpee.org  
Date TBD
Burpee Museum of Natural History
 

Chicago Metro HIstory Day Regional Contest
Crystal Johnson – regional coordinator
cjohnson@chicagohistory.org
Seniors - February 28, 2026
Juniors - March 7, 2026
University of Illinois Chicago


Central Illinois Regional Contest
Dr. Greg Carter – regional coordinator
Gmcart1@ilstu.edu
Date TBD
Illinois State University


Southern Illinois Regional Contest
Lydia Pensel – regional coordinator
lydia.pensel@siu.edu
March 21, 2026
Southern Illinois University Cardondale