Indiana Humanities takes over National History Day program

Indiana students will continue competing in National History Day under a new statewide sponsor after the Indiana Historical Society abruptly dropped the longstanding program in July.

Indiana Humanities announced Thursday that it will become the state affiliate for the national academic program, which engages middle- and high-school students in historical research and competitions.

The move comes about a month after the Indiana Historical Society terminated its sponsorship amid budget cuts and layoffs.

National History Day officials said at the time that they were searching for a new institutional partner to preserve the Indiana program, which serves more than 5,000 students each year.

“National History Day offers students essential life skills and experiences that will only benefit them in their future endeavors, and it was important to us to make sure that this opportunity remained available,” said Megan Telligman, director of programs at Indiana Humanities. “With experience facilitating conversations about history through the years, we feel well-positioned to take this on and are excited to connect with the students, teachers, and volunteers who really make NHD possible.”

Indiana Historical Society terminates history contest sponsorship

The Historical Society ended its sponsorship on the same day it laid off 11 employees from departments overseeing exhibits, education and library services.

The cuts followed a 2025 state budget deal that gave the Historical Society ownership of the land beneath its Indianapolis headquarters but ended approximately $1 million in annual state support for maintenance and operations. Historical Society officials denied that state funding cuts prompted the layoffs and withdrawal from National History Day, instead describing the moves as part of an organizational restructuring.

Indiana was the second state to join National History Day and has participated for nearly 50 years. The program now operates nationwide, engaging more than half a million students globally.

Participating students research historical subjects and present their findings as documentaries, exhibits, papers, performances or websites. Winners advance through local and regional competitions to state and national contests.

The program also provides teachers with curriculum materials, training and other support.

“We are grateful to partner with Indiana Humanities to ensure Indiana students and educators have continued access to the National History Day program in their state,” said National History Day Executive Director Cathy Gorn. “It is uplifting to see the Indiana historical community unite to support this cause. We are excited to continue the NHD program in Indiana and see how Indiana Humanities’ expertise will allow the program to grow and thrive across the state.”

Information about the 2026-27 contest season will be released as it becomes available.