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Illinois History Day


Senior Competition: April 27, 2026
Junior Competition: May 4, 2026

Illinois History Day is a dynamic, project-based learning program for grades 6–12, think Science Fair, but for HISTORY! The program is designed to enhance teaching and learning of history through research, analysis, and discovery. Students research and develop their projects for regional competitions. Superior projects advance to the statewide competition for consideration for the National History Day competition in Washington, D.C. 

Illinois State Museum - Illinois History Day

TEACHERS!!

Meet our Illinois State Coordinator and learn about Illinois History Day then reach out via email to laura.mitchelle@illinois.gov. Already involved? Head to IL.NHD.org for next steps. 

JUDGES and VOLUNTEERS!!

Learn all about the Illinois History Day Judging Process, then head to IL.NHD.org and register to judge or volunteer. Our state coordinator will follow-up with more information!

National History Day 1st Place winner reaches out in support of Illinois History Day!

Abigail Peterson won 1st place at the 2019 National History Day National contest. Now a graduate student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Abigail spoke with ISM's Illinois History Day state coordinator, Laura Mitchelle, all about her history day experience.

Check out the award winning website!

Northern Illinois Regional Contest
Beth Ingle - regional coordinator
b.ingle@rockvalleycollege.edu 
March 21, 2026
Rock Valley Community College
 

Chicago Metro HIstory Day Regional Contest
Crystal Johnson – regional coordinator
cjohnson@chicagohistory.org
Seniors - February 28, 2026
Juniors - March 7, 2026
University of Illinois Chicago


Central Illinois Regional Contest
Dr. Greg Carter – regional coordinator
Gmcart1@ilstu.edu
March 21, 2026
Illinois State University


Southern Illinois Regional Contest
Lydia Pensel – regional coordinator
lydia.pensel@siu.edu
March 21, 2026
Southern Illinois University Cardondale