Alabama History Day is the state contest of National History Day, a competition that engages middle school and high school students in robust and creative historical research. Registration is NOW OPEN for our 2026 contests!
Alabama History Day students learn how to conduct primary research and analyze sources. Then, they get creative. Students can present their findings as a Paper, Documentary, Website, Performance, or Exhibit. In the process, students become writers, filmmakers, web designers, playwrights, and artists as they create unique contemporary expressions of history.
In 2026, students have a special opportunity to compete at American Village, in Montevallo. Our 2026 state contest site is an apt location for the 250th anniversary of America’s Declaration of Independence — and for this year’s History Day theme, “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History.”
Interested in bringing a History Day teacher workshop or summer camp to your community? Contact Idrissa N. Snider, Ph.D., program coordinator: 205.558.3996 or isnider@alabamahumanities.org.
Alabama History Day invites you to get creative and demonstrate your critical thinking skills in our annual competition. The best thing about this competition is that YOU select the topic and the presentation format! Build a website, create an exhibit, write a paper, prepare a live performance, or film a documentary!
You may work solo or in groups of up to five students. Also, groups can be made up of students in different grade levels, as long as you are in the same division.
First things first! Review the National History Day rule book with your teacher and family. This will be your guide to a successful project. You can find the rule book HERE. The Spanish version of the rule book can be found HERE.
Before you select a topic, you want to find inspiration in the national theme. The 2026 theme is Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History. You can find the annual theme book HERE and the theme video HERE.
Begin by thinking about a time in history or individuals or events that are interesting to you. Start a list of ideas.
Now, go back through your ideas and circle those that you can easily connect with the theme. From the ideas that you circled, select one to begin your research.
As you begin researching, keep in mind that the sources you use will make a difference in what you learn through study and investigation. It will also enhance the quality of information you include in your projects.
Alabama boasts a wealth of in-state resources for students and teachers, which are especially useful for History Day participants who choose Alabama-based topics. Use the links below to access some of Alabama’s most up-to-date, digitized, and reliable primary source sites, including archives and educational centers statewide.
Each year, a variety of Special Awards are offered during the Alabama History Day contest to recognize student achievement in particular topic areas. Many of the awards come with cash prizes from our partners.
This year’s special awards!
To coincide with the 250th anniversary of America's Declaration of Independence, National History Day's 2026 theme is "Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History."
Learn more
We’re partnering with the America250AL initiative for commemorations of America’s 250th anniversary. And if your school is participating in Alabama History Day, you’ll likely also enjoy becoming a Semiquincentennial School in Alabama!
Learn more
Got AHD questions? Want to bring a History Day teacher workshop to your school? Contact Program Coordinator Idrissa N. Snider, Ph.D., at 205.558.3996 or isnider@alabamahumanities.org.
For more information and to get involved in Alabama History Day, email isnider@alabamahumanities.org.