Theme and Topics

2026 theme logo

2026 Theme: "Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History"

Each year, the National History Day office chooses a theme to help students direct their research. Students must make a connection between the theme and their topic. The themes that are chosen are broad, allowing students to research topics on all levels from local history to ancient history. In order to draw a connection to the theme, students must understand the historical significance of their topic and answer questions about time, place, and context. Understanding the impact and significance of the topic will help define why the topic is important and draw this connection to the theme.

General theme resources

  • 2026 NHD Theme Narrative 
  • 2026 NHD Theme Book
  • 2026 NHD Theme Video
  • Available in September: 2026 Minnesota Theme Narrative
  • Available in September: 2026 Minnesota Theme Narrative (Spanish Translation)
  • Available in September: 2026 Minnesota "Mini" Theme Narrative
  • Available in September: Request for access to Minnesota PowerPoint Theme Presentation
  • Available in September: 2026 Minnesota Theme Video Presentation
  • Available in September: MN Theme PowerPoint and Video Guided Questions 

Topic ideas and brainstorming

Graphic organizers and worksheets 

Future History Day themes

  • 2027: TBD

Past History Day themes

Themes are staggered so that your students won't repeat a theme, even if they participate in History Day every year.​​

  • 1990 - Science and Technology in History
  • 1991 - Rights in History
  • 1992 - Discovery, Encounter, Exchange in History
  • 1993 - Communication in History
  • 1994 - Geography in History
  • 1995 - Conflict and Compromise in History
  • 1996 - Taking a Stand in History
  • 1997 - Triumph and Tragedy in History
  • 1998 - Migration in History
  • 1999 - Science and Technology in History
  • 2000 - Turning Points in History
  • 2001 - Frontiers in History
  • 2002 - Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History
  • 2003 - Rights and Responsibilities in History
  • 2004 - Exploration, Encounter, Exchange in History
  • 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 and Diplomacy in History: Successes, Failures, Consequences
  • 2012 - Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History
  • 2013 - Turning Points in History: People, Ideas, Events
  • 2014 - Rights and Responsibilities in History
  • 2015 - Leadership and Legacy in History
  • 2016 - Exploration, Encounter, Exchange in History
  • 2017 - Taking a Stand in History
  • 2018 - Conflict and Compromise in History
  • 2019 - Triumph and Tragedy in History
  • 2020 - Breaking Barriers in History
  • 2021 - Communication in History: The Key to Understanding
  • 2022 - Debate and Diplomacy in History: Successes, Failures, Consequences
  • 2023 - Frontiers in History: People, Places, Ideas
  • 2024 - Turning Points in History
  • 2025 - Rights and Responsibilities in History
  • 2026 - Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History