Connecticut Democracy Center Announces Results of CT History Day New Haven Regional Competition

The Connecticut Democracy Center welcomed an estimated 200 middle and high school students to compete in the 2026 Connecticut History Day New Haven Regional Contest at Southern Connecticut State University. Students from 17 schools entered over 250 research projects in hopes of making it to the State Competition at Central Connecticut State University on May 2, 2026. This regional contest was a culmination of months of hard work by students as they conducted historical research related to this year's theme, "Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History." Students who place in first and second place at the State Contest will earn a spot to represent Connecticut at the National Competition in Maryland in the spring.

Students participate in Connecticut History Day in various ways, including classroom instruction, after-school clubs, enrichment programs, and independent projects. They are permitted to explore any aspect of history, from local to international. They can work individually or in groups on topics of their own choice. Students must present projects in one of five categories – exhibits, documentaries, websites, papers, or performances and learn how to identify primary sources, conduct research, and write a historical argument and thesis statement. As they develop their projects, students receive guidance from local teachers who also help prepare them to present their findings to volunteer judges.

"We are excited to see students presenting the results of their research," says Rebecca Taber, Director of Secondary Education Programs for The Connecticut Democracy Center. "Connecticut students are so innovative. Our volunteer judges are always eager to see the topics the students have chosen and how they interpret the significance of the information they uncover on the modern world we live in now."

Middle and High School Students represented the following schools: Amity Middle School (District 5); Amity Regional High School (District 5); Choate Rosemary Hall (Wallingford); East Ridge Middle School (Ridgefield); Engineering-Science University Magnet (West Haven);

Greenwich Academy;Hamden Hall Country Day School; High School in the Community(New Haven); Hill Regional Career High School (New Haven); Hopkins School (New Haven); James H. Moran Middle School (Wallingford); Joseph Melillo Middle School (East Haven); Mark T. Sheehan High School (Wallingford);Mauro-Sheridan Magnet School(New Haven); Naugatuck High School; New Haven Academy; Pomperaug Regional High School (District 15); Schoolhouse Academy (homeschool); Scott’s Ridge Middle School (Ridgefield); St. Rita School (Hamden); The Hotchkiss School (Lakeville); Westover School (Middlebury); Wilbur Cross High School (New Haven);Woodland Regional High School (District 16); Worthington Hooker School (New Haven)

The results of the New Haven Regional Contest can be found on the Connecticut History Day website at historydayct.org or by clicking here. Awards were presented by Joanna Steinberg, Regional Coordinator of Connecticut History Day-New Haven, Neil Grasty, Yale Center for British Art, and Dr. Christopher Trombly, Dean of the College of Education, Southern Connecticut State University.

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Connecticut History Day is an affiliate program of National History Day (NHD). CHD annually engages thousands of middle and high school students in historical research, interpretation, and creative expression through project-based learning. The program aims to bring together students, teachers, museums, and scholars to support young people as they engage with history. Led by the Connecticut Democracy Center, CHD is presented with major funding and partnership support from CT Humanities.