Introduction

At History Happens we help you navigate the exciting world of National History Day (NHD). As you gear up to start your project this year, it’s good to know what your project should NOT be this year.  Understanding these common mistakes can save you time and effort, helping you create a project that stands out for all the right reasons.

In this post, we’ll cover two major ideas to avoid: treating your project like a book report and presenting a one-sided argument. By steering clear of these pitfalls, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a more thoughtful, engaging, and successful NHD project.

It’s NOT a Book Report

First things first: Your NHD project is not a book report. We can’t emphasize this enough. While a book report is all about a simple listing of dates and facts, your NHD project is a research-based endeavor that requires you to analyze information from a variety of primary and secondary sources and develop a historical argument/thesis.

In an NHD project, it’s not enough to simply state facts. You need to show how these facts support your argument. For example, mentioning where a historical figure was born or where they went to school might be relevant in a book report, but in an NHD project, these details should only be included if they directly contribute to your thesis.

Think of your project as building a case. Your job is to interpret and analyze the information you gather, making connections that support the central argument of your project. This means every fact, date, and detail you include should have a clear purpose, driving your thesis forward. Avoid wasting space on irrelevant details that don’t contribute to the larger point you’re making.

It’s NOT a One-Sided Argument

Another common pitfall to avoid is treating your NHD project like a one-sided debate. The goal of National History Day isn’t to prove that your viewpoint is the only correct one; it’s to explore the complexity of historical events by presenting multiple perspectives.

Your project should showcase a well-rounded understanding of the topic, including viewpoints that might challenge your own. For example, if your project focuses on a controversial figure like John Wilkes Booth, it’s important to explore his motivations and the context in which he operated, rather than simply condemning him. This doesn’t mean you need to agree with or justify his actions, but you do need to present his perspective honestly.

By including multiple perspectives, you demonstrate a deeper understanding of the topic and its complexities. This approach not only strengthens your argument but also aligns with the core objectives of National History Day: to develop critical thinking skills and an appreciation for the nuances of history.

Why This Matters

At its core, National History Day is about developing critical thinking skills. It’s about more than just memorizing dates and names—it’s about digging into the “why” behind historical events and being able to present a well-supported argument.

By avoiding these problems, you’re ensuring that your project goes beyond the surface level. When you focus on analysis, interpretation, and presenting multiple perspectives, you’re not only meeting the NHD standards but also creating a project that is more engaging, insightful, and impactful.

These skills—researching, analyzing, and presenting balanced arguments—are not only crucial for success in NHD but also valuable in any academic or professional setting. Your ability to think critically and consider multiple viewpoints will set your work apart, both in this project and beyond.

Bottom Line

As you work on your NHD project, keep these tips in mind: Focus on analysis over simple fact-reporting, and be sure to include multiple perspectives. These strategies will help you create a strong, well-rounded project that truly captures the complexity of history.

Remember, National History Day is about more than just presenting facts—it’s about making connections, understanding different viewpoints, and crafting an argument that reflects the intricacies of historical events. By avoiding common pitfalls like turning your project into a book report or a one-sided argument, you’ll be setting yourself up for success.

For more detailed insights and tips, check out our full podcast episode on this topic. And as always, if you have questions or need guidance, reach out to us at [email protected]. We’re here to help you succeed!