Student Workshops
Upcoming In-Person Workshop
Putting It All Together: History Day Exhibition Tips and Tricks
Saturday, January 10, 2026, 1:00 PM
The Institute for American Indian Studies, 38 Curtis Rd, Washington CT 06793
Connecticut History Day competitions are almost here! You’ve chosen your subject, done the research, and tied it to this year’s theme of Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History, and now it’s time to have fun putting together your exhibit! Join us for a workshop where you will learn skills that will help you to build an exhibit that reflects all of your hard work and helps you feel confident going into competition day. Students will get to explore the museum to see some elements of design in action before working together on a practice exhibit. From showing students how to use graphic design tools like Canva, to helping them pick the best glue to hold their display together, we’ll share construction tips and tricks we’ve picked as museum professionals. In-person space is limited. Sign up https://forms.gle/ehGPnT8jJ8mgBzor6
Field Trip
Exploring Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History at Connecticut's Old State House:
Want to get your students excited about this year’s National History Day® Theme of Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History? Book a field trip to Connecticut’s Old State House in Hartford and take a guided tour of this 1796 National Historic Landmark and former state capitol. This tour will highlight stories of revolution and reform in Connecticut history. Visit ctoldstatehouse.org for field trip information and fees. Tour may be booked in conjunction with a free on-site CHD workshop.
To book a field trip, call 860.240.5340 or email OSHschools@cga.ct.gov.
In-Class Workshops
All in-class workshops are free.
To book a workshop, visit our CHD Workshop Sign-Up Form.
Introduction to Primary Sources Workshop
Are your students new to working with primary sources? This workshop introduces students to the various types of primary sources, how to analyze them for effective research, and why they are a crucial part of the research process. This workshop involves small group work and is best for middle level students or those who have never worked with primary sources. (Time: approximately 45 minutes)
History Day 101-Introduction to History Day Workshop
Introduce the History Day program to your students by “traveling” on a road trip for success with our CHD staff. This workshop introduces the process of creating a History Day project. Students will have stops along the journey to learn about the theme, categories, writing a historical argument, and building their project, and plenty of time for topic shopping and research. This workshop is designed for students at any grade level who are new to History Day. (Time: approximately 45 minutes)
REVISED!
2026 NHD Theme: Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History Workshop
Each year, NHD selects an Annual Theme that serves as a lens for exploring an historical topic. This workshop delves into this year’s theme, and helps students consider how ideas, events and actions can be considered through the lens of Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History. Students can brainstorm topic ideas with staff and discuss how they align with the 2026 Theme. This workshop will be most effective if offered early in the year, before students have settled on their topics.
Historical Argument & Thesis Statement Workshop
This workshop reviews the basics for conducting historical research with primary and secondary sources and the steps involved with crafting a good historical argument and thesis statement. Students will discuss examples of thesis statements and have hands-on time with writing a draft of their own thesis statement. This workshop will be the most effective if students have selected a topic and started their research but have not yet begun drafting the written portion of their project. (Time: approximately 45 minutes)
You Be The Judge Workshop
Judging History Day projects is a great way to learn about how to apply the rules and rubric to a project. Students will have a pre-visit activity to help them learn/review the NHD rules. On the day of the workshop, students will review the NHD evaluation criteria and then work in small groups to judge a project. This workshop is suitable for all grade levels and is recommended to be scheduled once students are familiar with the basics of completing a History Day project. (Time: approximately 45 minutes)
History Day 102—Project Check-in Workshop
Are your students on track with their projects? Do they need suggestions for research and project creation? A History Day educator will meet with your students, providing suggestions and strategy for their CHD journey. This workshop can be conducted in-person or virtually; if done virtually, we ask that you schedule separate workshops for your students by category. (Time: 45-60 minutes depending on the number of students)
Past Workshops
Virtual Workshop
October 2025
Trying to choose a topic related to this year’s NHD theme of Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History? Join State Historian, Dr. Andy Horowitz as he moderates a discussion with five historians: Dr. Tom Balcerski, Director of the Center for CT Studies; Reeshemah Norfleet, Discovering Amistad; John Mills, the Alex Breanne Corporation; Dr. Don Rogers, CT State Supreme Court Historical Society; and Dr. Fiona Vernal, Director of Engaged, Public, Oral, and Community Histories (EPOCH).
Connecticut History Day is an affiliate program of National History Day (NHD). CHD annually engages over 4,000 middle- and high-school students in historical research, interpretation, and creative expression through project based learning. The program seeks to bring students, teachers, museums, and scholars together to support young people as they engage in history. Led by the Connecticut Democracy Center, CHD is presented with major funding and partnership support from CT Humanities.