National History Day is a year-long education program for students in grades 6-12 that engages both educators and students to improve the teaching and learning of history in public, private, and home schools. Students who participate have shown dramatic improvements in research techniques, writing skills, historical knowledge, creativity, literacy, communication, civic engagement, and college readiness. In an NHD project, a student's task is to justify how their topic fits the annual theme and demonstrates historical significance. They can create a documentary, exhibit, paper, performance, or website to make their argument.

The Tennessee Historical Society became the state affiliate of National History Day in the 2008-9 academic year. Since that time, student and educator participation across the state has more than doubled. Over 7250 students across the state participate in National History Day.