From Revolution To Reform: More Information On How To Compete In St. Mary’s County History Day

Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History national history day 2026 st. mary's county — Photo Source: St. Mary’s County District Contest Website

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Students across St. Mary’s County will have the opportunity to dive deep into the past this spring as Historic Sotterley, in partnership with the St. Mary’s County Library and Maryland Humanities, hosts St. Mary’s County History Day on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

The district-level competition will take place at the Leonardtown branch of the St. Mary’s County Library and is affiliated with Maryland History Day and National History Day. This year’s theme, “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History,” encourages students to explore transformative moments in history, examine competing perspectives and analyze how those moments shaped events that followed.

Open to students in grades 4 through 12, the contest invites participants to present original historical research in one of five categories: paper, exhibit, documentary, website or performance. Through the process, students build skills in critical thinking, research, communication and creativity.

Top projects from the county competition will advance to the Maryland History Day contest, scheduled for May 2, 2026.

In addition to student participation, organizers are seeking community support through special awards sponsorships. Historic Sotterley is inviting local businesses, organizations and individuals to sponsor awards recognizing exceptional student work across various categories. Those interested can contact Katherine Humphries at edteam@sotterley.org for details.

Projects must be submitted by Saturday, April 11, 2026. More information for students, parents and educators is available at https://tab.so/smchistoryday.

St. Mary’s County History Day has become a platform for students to engage with history in meaningful ways while showcasing scholarship and creativity. Organizers say they look forward to another year of thoughtful research and dynamic presentations.

You can watch the 2026 National History Day theme video, “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History,” to understand more about the theme and see examples and explanations of what and how to explore these revolutions, reactions and reforms in histor.