National History Day is a year-long academic program focused on historical research, interpretation, and creative expression for 6th- 12th-grade students.

The artifacts and Soldiers’ Stories at the National Museum of the United States Army provide a unique lens to explore how words, thoughts, or ideas are exchanged throughout history. These stories complement the 2023-24 National History Day theme: Turning Points in History. They spark deeper investigation into the theme.

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Turning Points in History: Ideas, Events and Actions that Cause Change

The U.S. Army contributed to major turning points in American and world history. Soldiers carried out their duties with selfless service in forming, fighting for, and protecting our nation.

Turning points can take many forms. These include Army-pioneered innovations in public health, transportation, and computing. The Army also established policies that provided a path to citizenship and equality. These policies set a precedent for civil rights legislation. Local, state, and federal governments followed the Army’s example enacting similar policies. For every policy, individual Soldiers employed personal courage to fight for equal treatment.

What turning points in history can be found within Soldier’s Stories and U.S. Army initiatives?

Explore potential project topics and resources below.