Texas History Day

A project-based, statewide research program and competition for grades 3–12, affiliated with National History Day®.

Students investigate primary sources and create original projects—papers, posters, exhibits, documentaries, performances, or websites—then advance from regional contests to the Texas History Day state contest.

SEE the 2026 Finals & Award Recipients
State medalists celebrate at Texas History Day, armadillo mascot included.

What Is Texas History Day?

Research. Create. Compete. Get recognized statewide.

How It Works

Students choose a topic tied to the annual theme, conduct research with primary/secondary sources, and present their findings in one of five categories. Projects compete at regional contests; top entries advance to the state contest in Austin and on to National History Day®.

Students & Teachers

This Year’s Theme

2027 Theme: Innovation in History: Impact, Influence, Change. Explore the theme book, sample topics, and the official rules to get started.

See Theme & Rules

Competition-Ready Checklist

Everything you and your students need to launch, build, and finish strong.

Choose a topic aligned to this year’s theme.
Draft a clear thesis and simple research plan.
Outline/storyboard your project and set mini-deadlines.
Review the Rule Book and your category’s checklist.
Register for your regional contest and confirm all deadlines.
Prepare required written materials and practice the interview.
Proof your work; credit images/media and secure permissions.
Share your project locally (classroom, campus, or community).
Key Dates & Deadlines
Find My Local Region

Who It’s For

Students, educators, and volunteers power THD.

For Students

Build college-ready skills—research, writing, project management, and public speaking—while telling the stories that matter to your community.

Start your project

For Teachers

Turn inquiry into action with classroom-ready timelines, rubrics, and checklists. Align projects to standards and scaffold research from topic to thesis.

Teacher Resources

Judges & Volunteers

When you volunteer at THD, you help evaluate student work and make the contests possible. Prior THD experience is helpful but not required.

judge Or Volunteer

National History Day® Affiliate

We’re proud to be an affiliate of National History Day® (NHD), the leading history education program where grades 6–12 research deeply and present their work as papers, exhibits, performances, documentaries, or websites.

Title Sponsor

Help us give a big Texas “Thank you!” to H-E-B for sponsoring THD 2026. We admire their commitment to education in Texas and are proud to have them as an event sponsor.

Quotes about Texas History Day

My students learned how to turn a curiosity into a thesis—and defend it in front of their peers.
Middle School Social Studies TeacherSan Antonio, TX
History Day gave me the confidence to interview experts and present in front of a crowd.
High School Student ParticipantEl Paso, TX
Judging THD is the best volunteer experience I’ve had—rigorous, fair, and inspiring.
Community VolunteerAustin, TX

Supplies & Merchandise

Outfit your team and prep for contest day—all in one place. Shop official Texas History Day gear through TSHA’s store and find recommended exhibit supplies (including tri-fold boards) from trusted vendors.

Supplies & Merch