Connecticut History Day

Connecticut History Day A yearlong academic program for 6 - 12th graders culminating in a national contest. Each year, 4,000 Connecticut students participate in this academic program.

Using this year’s theme of Rights & Responsibilities in History, participants in grades 6-12 may work individually or in groups to choose a topic, conduct historical research and create a project. Students may present their projects as a: paper, exhibit, website, documentary, or theatrical performance. They present their projects at one of six district contests; students placing 1st, 2nd, or 3rd a

re invited to the State Competition. Students who place 1st or 2nd at State's are invited to the National History Day competition in College Park, MD.

Today's outdoor concert at the Old State House featured a History Day alum - Patrick James Donohue-O'Sullivan, who also ...
09/04/2026

Today's outdoor concert at the Old State House featured a History Day alum - Patrick James Donohue-O'Sullivan, who also helps with photography on contest days! Patrick is a member of the BAP PACK, who gave a masterful hip-hop performance.

A huge thank you to Dr. Fiona Vernal for speaking at our educator workshop on August 20! Her deep knowledge of Connecti...
09/02/2026

A huge thank you to Dr. Fiona Vernal for speaking at our educator workshop on August 20! Her deep knowledge of Connecticut's to***co history and her insights into archival research were incredibly helpful and helped our participants develop new skills for helping students approach these topics.

The State Office Team had a great time at the National History Day Coordinators Conference in Indianapolis. Were heading...
09/02/2026

The State Office Team had a great time at the National History Day Coordinators Conference in Indianapolis. Were heading home today!

The State Office Team is in Indiana at the National History Day Coordinator Conference. Rebecca Taber presented a sessio...
09/01/2026

The State Office Team is in Indiana at the National History Day Coordinator Conference. Rebecca Taber presented a session with CA Coordinator Whitney Olson.

Welcome to Topic Tuesdays! Dive into Connecticut’s rich history with us as we explore stories that connect to the 2027 N...
09/01/2026

Welcome to Topic Tuesdays! Dive into Connecticut’s rich history with us as we explore stories that connect to the 2027 NHD theme: Innovation in History.

Did you know that many innovations in flight technology are associated with Connecticut?

Inventor Charles Ritchel built and sponsored the first controlled flight of a dirigible in America in Hartford in 1878. Connecticut passed the world's first aeronautical law in 1911. Frederick Renschler established Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company in 1925 in Hartford. He and his team designed the WASP engine, which along with the Hornet, created an engine that had increased power and had high reliability at a low weight.

Image Credit: connecticuthistory.org

Our August 20 educator workshop would not have been possible without Sharon Gillette of National History Day®, who led t...
08/31/2026

Our August 20 educator workshop would not have been possible without Sharon Gillette of National History Day®, who led the day's programming and showed us how to
turn historical images into powerful tools for critical thinking. We are incredibly grateful for her time and expertise, and look forward to spreading the information she shared with our community of teachers!

The CHD team is headed out to a conference with other National History Day Coordinators. Any guesses where we are?
08/31/2026

The CHD team is headed out to a conference with other National History Day Coordinators. Any guesses where we are?

A huge thanks to everyone who attended last week's educator workshop! Your perspectives and insight made for a fantastic...
08/27/2026

A huge thanks to everyone who attended last week's educator workshop! Your perspectives and insight made for a fantastic day of professional development and history deep-dives. Of course, this program would not have been possible without the robust online resources available through the Library of Congress! Stay tuned for posts recognizing our excellent programming partners for this workshop.

Welcome to Topic Tuesdays! Dive into Connecticut’s rich history with us as we explore stories that connect to the 2027 N...
08/25/2026

Welcome to Topic Tuesdays! Dive into Connecticut’s rich history with us as we explore stories that connect to the 2027 NHD theme: Innovation in History.

Did you know that the inventor of the steamboat was born in Connecticut?

Born on a small farm near Hartford, John Fitch (1743-1798) grew up experiencing only two years of formal education. An avid learner, he overcame adversity and financial ruin multiple times throughout his life to invent the world’s first steamboat, a technological triumph that would come to redefine trade and travel.

Image credit: Library of Congress

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