The Annual History Day Theme

Each year the National History Day office selects a broad theme for the History Day contest. Students may choose any topic related to local, regional, national, or world history, as long as his or her research and conclusions clearly relate to the theme. Judges look for evidence that the theme has been adequately addressed in all History Day projects. Scroll to the bottom of this page to see a list of past and upcoming annual themes.

2012 Theme

The 2012 theme is Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History. Click here to read more about the History Day 2012 theme. Click here to read a Q&A about this year's theme from NHD.

 2012 Sample Topics 
Click here to see a list of sample topics relating to this year's theme. Students are not limited to these topics and are encouraged to select a topic that they are excited about researching. 

2012 Sample Topics about Maryland
Click here to see a list of Maryland-specific sample topics provided by the Maryland Historical Society

2011-2012 Theme Book 
Click here to see the 2012 Theme Book for Teachers.

Topic Selection
Click here to download the topic selection worksheet.

Past and Future Themes 

2005 - Communication in History: The Key to Understanding
2006 - Taking a Stand in History
2007 - Triumph and Tragedy in History
2008 - Conflict and Compromise in History
2009 - The Individual in History: Actions and Legacies
2010 - Innovation in History: Impact and Change
2011 - Debate & Diplomacy in History: Successes, Failures, Consequences
2012 - Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History
2013 - Turning Points in History: People, Ideas, Events
2014 - Exploration, Encounter and Exchange in History
2015 - Service, Sacrifice, Civic Engagement in History
2016 - Migration and Movement in History: People, Places, and Ideas
2017 - Taking a Stand in History
2018 - Triumph and Tragedy in History
2019 - Conflict and Compromise in History
2020 - Communication in History