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National History Day

National History Day 2024: Turning Points in History

"A turning point in history is more than just an important event that happened a long time ago. It is more than a new idea or a particular action taken by an individual. A turning point is an idea, event, or action that directly, or sometimes indirectly, causes change." - National History Day® (NHD)


During the 2023–2024 school year, National History Day® (NHD) invites students to research topics related to the theme, Turning Points in History. This theme is broad enough in scope to encourage the investigation of topics ranging from local to global history. Throughout the school year, students develop essential skills by fostering intellectual curiosity and thinking both critically and creatively.

To understand the historical importance of their topics, students must ask questions of time and place, cause and effect, change over time, and impact and significance.

  • What factors contributed to the turning point?
  • Why did the turning point develop? How did it create change?
  • What were the immediate and long-term consequences?
  • What impact did the turning point have on the people who experienced it? How did they, in turn, affect it?


Inspire Student Research

Use this series of videos featuring Filmmaker Stanley Nelson to support students on the research journey that is unique to their project. Students will explore the “story behind the story” as Stanley Nelson describes how he engaged in critical thinking, problem-solving, and historical research to tell the stories of two of our nation’s greatest freedom fighters, Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass.

Explore More

Push for Freedom | 0m 59s

In this video, Stanley Nelson describes how Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass pushed frontiers in history by the revolutionary, yet different, ways they fought for freedom and equality.

Editing Decisions | 1m 40s

In this video, Stanley Nelson offers advice on making decisions on what to include, or not include, in a final project.

Historical Research | 1m 43s

In this video, Stanley Nelson shares insight for students who are getting started with historical research for their NHD project.

Telling A Local Story | 1m 36s

In this video, Stanley Nelson discusses considerations for NHD students who choose to do projects and conduct research on local history.

Courage-Strength-Legacy | 1m 54s

In this video, Stanley Nelson explains how the legacies of Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass shaped the past and connect with current events.

Using Source Material | 2m 52s

In this video, Stanley Nelson advises NHD students how to use primary and secondary source material to create a compelling final project, especially in the documentary category.