2008-2009 Contest Theme The Individual in History: Actions and Legacies During the 2008-2009 school year, National History Day invites students to research topics related to the theme "The Individual in History: Actions and Legacies." As is the case each year, the theme is broad enough to encourage investigation of topics ranging from local history to world history, and from ancient time to the recent past. To understand the historical importance of their topics students need to ask questions about time, place and context; cause and effect; change over time; and impact and significance. Students must consider not only when and where events happened, but also why they occurred and what factors contributed to their development. Description of the topic must also include an analysis of information and conclusions about how the topic influenced and was influenced by people, ideas or events. Click here to read more about the 2008-2009 NHD Contest Theme. Click here to see a list of Sample Topics for the 2008-2009 Contest Theme.