2026: Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History

Thousands of middle- and high-school Connecticut students exemplify Doing History, a core theme of the America 250 CT Commission. Close to 4,000 students in our state are busy conducting research and preparing projects to present at the spring Connecticut History Day Regional Contests. The 2026 History Day Annual Theme of Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History, coincides with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, allowing students to explore dramatic societal changes, responses to those changes, and efforts to improve systems across various historical periods and locations.Managed by the Connecticut Democracy Center, Connecticut History Day (CHD) is bolstered by strong community support. The New Haven Museum is a key partner. Joanna Steinberg, Director of Learning and Engagement, serves as the New Haven Regional Coordinator. Joanna utilizes the Museum's exhibitions and collections in supporting local teachers and students. In December of 2025, New Haven Museum hosted a workshop for teachers, Using the Art of Storytelling to Inspire History Day Projects, with staff from Long Wharf Theatre.Earlier in the fall, the Connecticut State Library hosted the Kick-Off Educators Workshop. Attendees viewed documents related to the Annual Theme curated by the State Archivist and Assistant Archivist, participated in an object discovery activity with staff from the Museum of Connecticut History, and learned how to better access the Library's rich collections—both in-person and digitally. Two teachers shared their experience, while State Coordinator Rebecca Taber discussed the 2026 Annual Theme.In January, the Institute for American Indian Studies hosted a hands-on Exhibit Workshop for students and teachers. Participants practiced construction techniques and learned design tips to help improve their History Day exhibits. Irene Norman, the Director of Education at the Institute was inspired to host the workshop after judging at the Torrington Regional Contest.As spring approaches, many of you reading this article have already signed up to serve as volunteer judges at one of the five Regional Contests in Connecticut. Ever year, hundreds of volunteers—professors, museum staff and volunteers, educators, and more—serve as judges. They are vital to the contest experience, providing encouragement and constructive criticism to all the participants. Judges’ feedback helps students understand what they did well and how to improve for the following year.The Regional Contests take place at Norwich Free Academy, Sacred Heart University, Southern CT State University, Torrington Intermediate School, and UCONN. Participants learn about some of our state's higher education opportunities and have a chance to explore a college campus. Many local institutions, including the Stanley-Whitman House, the New England Civil War Museum, Fairfield University Museum of Art, and the Slater Memorial Museum, will lead activities at the Contests, thereby introducing participants to some amazing cultural and historical resources.Many students select topics related to Connecticut history. Several years ago, a student created an exhibit on Carolyn Ferriday, the woman who was instrumental in getting recognition for the survivors of Nazi medical experiments at Ravensbrück concentration camp. The student conducted research using archival material from CT Landmarks’ Bellamy-Ferriday House. The project, which received first place at the State Contest for Senior Individual Exhibit, spent the summer of 2018 on display at the museum's welcome center.Last year, the Tolland Historical Society hosted a display featured 13 exhibits at their Old Tolland County Jail and Museum. Several of the projects on display received recognition at the 2025 National Contest. Amanda Zadnik and Simonne Thibeault won third place in Senior Group Exhibits with their project “Rewarded by Death: How Operation Columbia Exemplifies the Rights and Responsibilities of Civilians in Wartime.” The team skipped their high school graduation to attend the National Contest Awards Ceremony. They proudly wore their medal at a special, small graduation ceremony following their return from the National Contest. Middle schoolers Julianne Pashe and Katie Smith shared their exhibit on the “Civilian Public Service Camps: The Compromise between Personal Rights and National Responsibility,” which received the World War II History Prize. High schooler Jacob Brown brought his exhibit on “Sheff v. O'Neil: Education in Connecticut”, which received an honorable mention. Jacob also represented Connecticut at a special daylong NHD exhibit at the National Museum of History.The 2026 Contest Season approaches, and excitement is building. What topics have students explored? What special experiences have been created through their participation in CHD? Which students will qualify for the State Contest? Who will represent Connecticut at the National Contest?Whether or not a student receives an award, they win by participating in History Day. Teachers cite that CHD “teaches skills that will help students be successful both academically and in life.” Students learn to manage time, conduct vigorous primary and secondary research, build an historical argument using evidence, and speak in public. It takes a village—of museums, historical societies, archives, libraries, colleges, and universities—to support CHD participants. We invite you to participate in the adventure. More information can be found at historydayct.org.