National History Day is a nationwide social studies program that challenges over 500,000 middle and high school students across the United States and territories to develop their historical research skills. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction administers the National History Day program in Washington State, in partnership with the Washington State Historical Society and other supporting organizations. The Washington History Day program serves thousands of student participants statewide.

History Day enhances student reading, writing, research, communication, critical thinking, and creativity. Some students enter their research projects in the National History Day contest – the competitive portion of the History Day program. Washington hosts eight Regional contests across the state, which advance winning entries to a State contest. The top two entries in each category at State are invited to compete at the National contest near Washington, D.C.

History Day Program Education Resources

The Washington State Historical Society provides History Day resources for teachers and students.

Washington History Day Regional Contests

Olympic Regional Contest
Regional Coordinators: TBA
Counties in this region: Clallam, Gray’s Harbor, Jefferson, Mason, Kitsap (except Bainbridge Island)

Southwest WA Regional Contest
Regional Coordinators: Rene Soohoo, John Zingale, and Michelle Annett
Counties in this region: Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Pacific, Skamania, Wahkiakum

South Puget Sound Regional Contest
Regional Coordinator: John Buchinger
Counties in this region: Pierce, Thurston, King County south of I-90

Northwest Regional Contest
Regional Coordinators: Randy Schnabel and Mary Fitzmaurice
Counties in this region: Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, Whatcom

North Puget Sound Regional Contest
Regional Coordinator: Alan Plummer
King County School Districts in this region: Seattle SD, Shoreline SD, Northshore SD, Mercer Island SD, Bainbridge Island SD

East Puget Sound Regional Contest
Regional Coordinators: Jill Berge and Nicole Kesler
King County School Districts in this region: Bellevue SD, Issaquah SD, Lake Washington SD, Riverview SD, Snoqualmie Valley SD

Central WA Regional Contest
Regional Coordinator: Matt Norling
Counties in this district: Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Yakima

Eastern WA Regional Contest
Regional Coordinator: Dr. Jacki Hedlund Tyler
Counties in this region: Adams, Asotin, Benton, Columbia, Garfield, Ferry, Franklin, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Whitman, Walla Walla

Washington History Day State Contest

The Washington History Day State Contest is held each spring in late April or early May. Students who advance from Regional Contests are invited to compete. To learn more about this year’s State Contest and to register for the event, visit the State Contest Registration Page.

National History Day National Contest

Students who advance from Washington’s State Contest will compete against students from across the United States and territories at the National Contest, hosted by the National History Day organization at the University of Maryland – College Park (near Washington, D.C.).