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Illinois History Day

State Competition: April 29, 2027

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

Teachers

Teacher resources for Illinois History Day are available here. Please reach out via email at DNR.IllinoisHistoryDay@illinois.gov if you would like to be involved. 

 

Judges and Volunteers

Learn all about the Illinois History Day Judging Process, then head to IL.NHD.org and register to judge or volunteer. ISM staff will follow up with more information!

Regional History Day Competitions

Illinois Regional Map showing the boundaries of each contest division

Northern Illinois Regional Contest
Beth Ingle - regional coordinator
b.ingle@rockvalleycollege.edu 
TBD
Rock Valley Community College
 

Chicago Metro HIstory Day Regional Contest
Crystal Johnson – regional coordinator
cjohnson@chicagohistory.org
Seniors - February 27, 2027
Juniors - March 6, 2027
University of Illinois Chicago


Central Illinois Regional Contest
Dr. Greg Carter – regional coordinator
Gmcart1@ilstu.edu
April 4, 2027
Illinois State University


Southern Illinois Regional Contest
Lydia Pensel – regional coordinator
lydia.pensel@siu.edu
March 20, 2027
Southern Illinois University Cardondale

Illinois History Day State Contest