Why National History Day Matters: A Reflection on Its Legacy, Impact, and Uncertain Future
- Emily Thabes
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Through National History Day, a generation of students has found their voice, their curiosity, and their confidence. With recent funding cuts threatening its future, now is the time to reflect on what’s at stake and why we must act.
At the Beltrami County Historical Society, we believe in the power of history to shape lives, empower communities, and illuminate the path forward. That belief is at the heart of our alarm at the recent news that federal grant funding for National History Day (NHD) has been eliminated. This decision is more than a line item cut — it is a blow to one of the most transformative educational programs in the country.
The funding cut came from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), a longtime supporter of NHD. This elimination affects students directly and disrupts the infrastructure that supports teachers, judges, and local organizations like ours that engage with History Day at every level.
National History Day began in 1974 at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio as a small academic experiment to invigorate history teaching. Since then, it has grown into a nationwide initiative engaging over 500,000 students annually in hands-on, deep-dive historical research. With support from educators and institutions like the National Endowment for the Humanities, NHD has helped students develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills while connecting personally with the past.
In Beltrami County and across Minnesota, History Day isn’t just a classroom assignment. It is a launchpad for student growth and community connection. Local students explore topics about their identities, families, and regions. They present their work in public forums, engage with elders, archives, and museums, and often unearth stories that have never been told. Beltrami County Historical Society board members, staff, and volunteers have supported History Day as local and regional judges and advocates for local students who put forth the effort to submit a project. We also recognize the impact of Minnesota History Day, led by the Minnesota Historical Society, which has created a strong and supportive infrastructure for students and teachers throughout our state.
I know firsthand the impact of a program like this. As a West Virginia middle schooler in the early 1990s, I participated in what was then called the Social Studies Fair. Inspired by a summer visit to Sitka, Alaska, I created a project on Tlingit totem poles, a topic that sparked a lifelong curiosity in Indigenous art and history. That project advanced to the state level. More than a ribbon or trophy, it gave me a deep sense of ownership over my learning. It taught me how to structure an argument, cite my sources, and speak confidently in front of others. Those so-called “soft skills” — organization, time management, critical reading, public speaking — are anything but soft. They are vital workforce skills, essential to informed citizenship and lifelong learning.
The loss of funding for National History Day undermines an acclaimed educational program and an entire ecosystem of youth empowerment through history. We urge our community and our elected officials to speak out in defense of this program. The elimination of federal support is nothing short of a travesty.
We will continue to champion programs like NHD that build bridges between generations, foster civic understanding, and develop the next generation of historians, researchers, and changemakers. After all, the story of America — and our region’s role within it — deserves to be told. And who better to tell it than our youth?
Join Us in Support: If you or someone you know has been impacted by National History Day at any level, we invite you to share your story with us. Please email us at depot@beltramihistory.org or visit beltramihistory.org.
You can also help advocate for restoring National History Day funding by contacting your U.S. Senators and Representatives. Ask them to restore NEH funding for NHD and support programs that support student learning, civic engagement, and access to history. Visit www.congress.gov to find your legislators and make your voice heard.
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