National History Day Announces 2026 Theme:
Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2025
National History Day (NHD) and Made By Us today announce a partnership to launch two cornerstone initiatives of Youth250, the national effort putting youth voices at the center of America’s 250th anniversary. Together, the two organizations are creating a pathway for young people to contribute to history throughout their lives — from the first spark of curiosity in middle school to the action and power of adulthood.
The partnership kicks off with two programs:
- Youth250 Writing Club — Led by former Washington Post editor Alyssa Rosenberg, the Writing Club invites young people ages 14 to 30 to join a weekly workshop to put America’s story into their own words — reflecting on history and civics, today’s challenges, and possible futures. Featuring guest speakers and expert advice, the club creates a unique opportunity for National History Day alumni to reconnect and contribute to the 250th together.
- A to Z Video Series — This three-part video series, made for social media and published on Instagram and YouTube @HistoryMadeByUs, pairs a Gen Z interviewer with Gen Alpha National History Day students. The result: quick and insightful history lessons that flip the script by letting middle schoolers do the teaching in their own words.
These initiatives highlight the mission of Youth250: to surround the 250th anniversary with the energy, creativity, and participation of rising generations. Rather than leaving the moment to institutions alone, Youth250 ensures that the anniversary reflects the voices of those who will carry America forward. Watch the first video.
In addition, NHD announced the theme for its 2026 National Contest, Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History, which also aligns with the upcoming 250th anniversary. The theme invites students to analyze the causes, consequences, and legacies of pivotal change throughout local, national, and world history. To support students and teachers, NHD has published a theme book, a topic brainstorm sheet, and a theme overview video available now at nhd.org/theme.
“Our organizations share a commitment to giving young people real experience in learning and sharing history,” said Cathy Gorn, Executive Director at National History Day. “This partnership with Made By Us ensures that NHD® students and alumni have meaningful ways to contribute to the 250th commemoration, while continuing to practice the skills of research, storytelling, and civic dialogue.”
“The 250th anniversary is a once-in-a-generation moment — and it belongs to the generation coming of age right now, who will be here at our 300th,” said Caroline Klibanoff, Executive Director at Made By Us.”National History Day students have the passion and curiosity that our nation needs. With the Youth250 Writing Club and the expert guidance of Alyssa Rosenberg, we’re amplifying their voices across platforms for this commemorative moment.”
Work produced by the Youth250 Writing Club will be published in local and national publications, podcasts, blogs, and other platforms. Journalists and media outlets can partner with Youth250 to feature youth perspectives.
These projects are part of the storytelling efforts of the Youth250 Content Corps, a volunteer community of writers, creators, and contributors ages 14 to 30. As the United States prepares to commemorate this historic milestone, the Youth250 Content Corps is ensuring that young people don’t just watch the 250th unfold – they shape it. Learn more about Youth250 and its efforts at Youth250.org.
About National History Day
NHD is a non-profit organization based in College Park, Maryland, that seeks to improve the teaching and learning of history. Established in 1974, NHD currently engages more than half a million students each year in conducting original research on historical topics of interest and supports teachers through professional development opportunities. Students present their research as a documentary, exhibit, paper, performance, or website. Projects compete first at the local and affiliate levels, where the top entries are invited to the annual National Contest at the University of Maryland at College Park. NHD is sponsored in part by the Joyful Noise Charitable Foundation, The Better Angels Society, Bezos Family Foundation, Library of Congress, Dr. Scholl Foundation, Behring Global Educational Foundation, 400 Years of African American History Commission, and the National Park Service. For more information, visit nhd.org.
About Made By Us
Made By Us transforms museums and historic sites into civic hubs for young adults, activating a network of 500 cultural institutions across the United States to engage younger audiences and strengthen democracy and civic participation. With award-winning content and programs such as My Wish For U.S., 60-Second History, Democracy Vibe Check, and the annual Civic Season (Juneteenth – July 4th), Made By Us meets young adults where they are with timely and relevant history to inspire, inform and ignite civic participation. The leadership of Made By Us includes the American Association of State and Local History, Atlanta History Center, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Colonial Williamsburg, Conner Prairie, Democracy Center at Japanese American National Museum, HistoryMiami Museum, Lincoln Presidential Foundation, National Archives Foundation, New York Historical, Senator John Heinz History Center, Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, Utah Historical Society and Wisconsin Historical Society. Learn more at HistoryMadeByUs.org.
Media Contact:
Alyssa Rosenberg, Made By Us, Alyssa@HistoryMadeByUs.org
Sarah Nisbet, National History Day, sarah_nisbet@dkcnews.com
