Students compete for top honors at Michigan History Day State Finals

Through months of work and creativity, hundreds of elementary, middle and high school students demonstrated their passion for history through competing at the 2025 Michigan History Day state finals at Central Michigan University in April.

Michigan History Day (MHD), an affiliate of the National History Day (NHD) program and managed by the Historical Society of Michigan, encourages students to conduct in-depth research on historical topics of their choice, based on an annual theme. Students then present their findings to a panel of judges in the form of exhibits, documentaries, performances, websites, or papers.

In addition to academic growth, MHD helps to promote confidence, public speaking skills, and collaboration. For many students, it is a way to explore cultural and family heritage or dig into local history that connects directly with their lives and communities.

Out of the 450 student participants, 70 students in the junior and senior divisions will advance to the National History Day finals in June at the University of Maryland. The national stage allows participants to compete with their peers from across the country and potentially earn scholarships and national recognition. National History Day also honors teachers for their dedication to helping their students succeed.

This is the third year CMU hosted the event on campus. Staff with the Historical Society of Michigan collaborated closely with the CMU Museum of Cultural and Natural History and the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences to make the event a memorable experience for the more than 800 guests attending the competition.

For some students, this was their first visit to a college campus. Ron Bloomfield, Interim Director of the CMU Museum, says MHD is a great way to highlight campus resources. Families visited the Clarke Historical Library, Park Library and Baber Room gallery, the University Art Gallery, the CMU Greenhouse, and dining services.

"Michigan History Day provides CMU with a unique opportunity to showcase our academic programs, campus, and culture to a vast group of prospective students and hopefully influence their future college plans toward the maroon and gold," said Bloomfield.

All participants leave with a deeper understanding of history, and the event is a way for them to not only celebrate their academic achievements, but also spark curiosity, build community, and inspire the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and storytellers.

The CMU Museum and the College of Liberal Arts are, once again, proud to partner with the Historical Society of Michigan to help play a role in supporting that journey.