Connecticut History Day

Connecticut History Day A yearlong academic program for 6 - 12th graders culminating in a national contest. Each year, 4,000 Connecticut students participate in this academic program.

Using this year’s theme of Rights & Responsibilities in History, participants in grades 6-12 may work individually or in groups to choose a topic, conduct historical research and create a project. Students may present their projects as a: paper, exhibit, website, documentary, or theatrical performance. They present their projects at one of six district contests; students placing 1st, 2nd, or 3rd are invited to the State Competition. Students who place 1st or 2nd at State's are invited to the National History Day competition in College Park, MD.

We are incredibly excited to share information about our kick-off Educator Workshop for the coming History Day season on...
09/10/2026

We are incredibly excited to share information about our kick-off Educator Workshop for the coming History Day season on October 2nd!

Hosted by , this free workshop will will focus on the 2027 National History Day theme, Innovation in History: Impact, Influence, Change, and provide tips and strategies for guiding students through their History Day journey.

Lunch is included, as well as a behind-the-scenes tour of the New England Air Museum!

Sign up at this link: https://tinyurl.com/chdkickoff2026

Welcome to Topic Tuesdays! Dive into Connecticut’s rich history with us as we explore stories that connect to the 2027 N...
09/08/2026

Welcome to Topic Tuesdays! Dive into Connecticut’s rich history with us as we explore stories that connect to the 2027 NHD theme: Innovation in History.

Did you know that the modern image of Sherlock Holmes, including his iconic deerstalker cap, came from an eccentric Connecticut-born movie star?

Born in Hartford in 1853, William Gillette grew up in a progressive atmosphere and developed a love of theater from a young age. He became a successful stage actor and pioneered realistic stage settings as well as special sound and lighting effects. He assumed the role of Sherlock Holmes on stage more than 1,300 times over thirty years, and would play the iconic detective in a 1916 silent film.

Gillette used the wealth obtained through his acting career to construct an elaborate castle in Hadlyme, Connecticut that still stands today, offering tours that illustrate his enduring legacy.

Image Credit: Harriet Beecher Stowe Center and Connecticut State Library

Today's outdoor concert at the Old State House featured a History Day alum - Patrick James Donohue-O'Sullivan, who also ...
09/04/2026

Today's outdoor concert at the Old State House featured a History Day alum - Patrick James Donohue-O'Sullivan, who also helps with photography on contest days! Patrick is a member of the BAP PACK, who gave a masterful hip-hop performance.

A huge thank you to Dr. Fiona Vernal for speaking at our educator workshop on August 20! Her deep knowledge of Connecti...
09/02/2026

A huge thank you to Dr. Fiona Vernal for speaking at our educator workshop on August 20! Her deep knowledge of Connecticut's to***co history and her insights into archival research were incredibly helpful and helped our participants develop new skills for helping students approach these topics.

The State Office Team had a great time at the National History Day Coordinators Conference in Indianapolis. Were heading...
09/02/2026

The State Office Team had a great time at the National History Day Coordinators Conference in Indianapolis. Were heading home today!

The State Office Team is in Indiana at the National History Day Coordinator Conference. Rebecca Taber presented a sessio...
09/01/2026

The State Office Team is in Indiana at the National History Day Coordinator Conference. Rebecca Taber presented a session with CA Coordinator Whitney Olson.

Welcome to Topic Tuesdays! Dive into Connecticut’s rich history with us as we explore stories that connect to the 2027 N...
09/01/2026

Welcome to Topic Tuesdays! Dive into Connecticut’s rich history with us as we explore stories that connect to the 2027 NHD theme: Innovation in History.

Did you know that many innovations in flight technology are associated with Connecticut?

Inventor Charles Ritchel built and sponsored the first controlled flight of a dirigible in America in Hartford in 1878. Connecticut passed the world's first aeronautical law in 1911. Frederick Renschler established Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company in 1925 in Hartford. He and his team designed the WASP engine, which along with the Hornet, created an engine that had increased power and had high reliability at a low weight.

Image Credit: connecticuthistory.org

Our August 20 educator workshop would not have been possible without Sharon Gillette of National History Day®, who led t...
08/31/2026

Our August 20 educator workshop would not have been possible without Sharon Gillette of National History Day®, who led the day's programming and showed us how to
turn historical images into powerful tools for critical thinking. We are incredibly grateful for her time and expertise, and look forward to spreading the information she shared with our community of teachers!

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800 Main Street
Hartford, CT
06103

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