The guide presents an overview of a national contest designed to make history come alive to students in grades 6 through 12 through imaginative projects, original performances, media presentations, and papers. Students submit their entries into contests in which they are judged by historians, educators, and other experienced professionals. District winners attend state contests, and winners compete in Washington, D.C., in the National History Day competition. The guide briefly discusses the contest theme, awards, divisions, contest categories, and topics for entries. Rules and suggestions are first stated in general terms, and then specifically stated by entry categories: (1) the historical papers category (poetry, diaries, and fictional accounts); (2) the project category (displays, reliefs, overlay maps, reconstructions, charts, and models); (3) the performance category (lectures, demonstrations, puppet shows, pantomimes, or plays); and (4) media presentations (video recordings, motion picture, slides, films, and transparencies). In addition, judging procedures are detailed with attention given to adherence to the theme and rules, quality of presentation, and historical quality of the entry. The guide also offers suggestions for teachers and is designed so that it can be used for several years. (LH)