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Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Illinois History Day - May 1, 2025


Illinois History Day provides an opportunity for students to write papers and create exhibits, websites, documentaries, and performances on a topic of their choosing.  This 6-12 grade program sparks students’ interest in history and helps them hone critical thinking and research skills.  Students work with their teachers and supporters in the fall to create a project that is then presented for competition at one of the regional history fairs across Illinois in the spring.  In order to advance to Illinois History Day students must qualify at one of the regional competitions.

We need your help!  Would you like to help students make history?  Please reach out to us if you would like to participate in the program. 
 

History Day Judge and Volunteer Interest Form

History Day Teacher Interest Form

National History Day - June 8 - 12, 2025


The 2025 National History Day theme is Rights & Responsibilities in History. The following resources are available to start defining your topic and begin your research. Check out theme resources and start your research today!

This year’s theme invites you to consider questions of time and place, cause and effect, change over time, and impact and significance. 

The key to this theme is addressing BOTH rights AND responsibilities. These are two powerful forces in history, but one does not work without the other.

Regional History Day Competitions

Regional competitions are held in early Spring in each of the regions listed below.  Top scorers at these competitions will qualify to compete at the State competition. Click on the region below to learn more about those events. Download the Illinois History Day Regions map.


Northern Illinois Regional Contest
Julie Junod - regional coordinator
julie.junod@burpee.org  
March 15, 2025
Burpee Museum of Natural History
 

Chicago Metro HIstory Day Regional Contest
Crystal Johnson – regional coordinator
cjohnson@chicagohistory.org
March 1, 2025 (senior division)
March 8, 2025 (junior division)
Chicago History Museum
 

Central Illinois Regional Contest
Dr. Greg Carter – regional coordinator
Gmcart1@ilstu.edu
March 1, 2025
Illinois State University


Southern Illinois Regional Contest
Antonio Salazar – regional coordinator
Antonio.salazar@siu.edu
March 15, 2025
Southern Illinois University Cardondale