State Contest Special Prizes

History Day medals

NATIONAL HISTORY DAY IN INDIANA SPECIAL PRIZES

In 2026, educators whose students win any of the special prizes below will be awarded a $50 prize. The application for Special Prizes will be available in 2026 prior to the State Contest.

Prizes will be announced to Indiana students and educators at the NHDI State Contest. Participants do not have to place in first, second or third to receive a special prize.

Don’t forget to check out our topic suggestions for each prize, found in the Topic Guide. This is not an exhaustive list; feel free to explore more!

$250 CASH PRIZE

Gene Stratton Porter Prize
Awarded to a student or group with an outstanding project on Indiana environmentalist and author Gene Stratton Porter.
Sponsored by Janet McCabe and Jon Laramore in memory of Evelyn McCabe

Indiana Local History Prize – Youth and Junior Division
Awarded to a student or group with an outstanding project focused on local Indiana history.
Sponsored by the IHS Local History Services 

Indiana Local History Prize – Senior Division
Awarded to a student or group with an outstanding project focused on local Indiana history.
Sponsored by the IHS Local History Services 

Indiana Pioneers Prize for Early Indiana (pre-1840)
Awarded to a student or group with an outstanding project related to pre-1840, pioneer-era Indiana.
Sponsored by The Society of Indiana Pioneers

International History in Indiana Prize
Awarded to a student or group with an outstanding project on an international history topic that has an Indiana connection.
Sponsored by an anonymous donor  

Patricia D. Curran Memorial Prize for Fashion Design in Indiana
Awarded to a student or group with an outstanding project featuring an Indiana fashion designer(s)
Sponsored by Andrew Halter and Joshua Rogers

Roy F. Stringer Memorial Prize for Labor Unions in Indiana
Awarded to student or group with an outstanding project that explores the history of Labor Unions in Indiana.
Sponsored by Andrew Halter and Joshua Rogers

$500 CASH PRIZE

The Cole Porter Prize for Indiana Musical Heritage
Awarded to a student or group with an outstanding project on the life and legacy of Cole Porter.
Sponsored by Steve and Mag Russell

William Henry Smith Memorial Library Prize
Awarded to a student or group with an outstanding project that utilizes the collection of the William Henry Smith Memorial Library.
Sponsored by Matthew and Suzanne Hahn

$1,000 CASH PRIZE

National History Day in Indiana Prize

Awarded to a high school junior or senior student, recognizing the outstanding body of work accomplished across many years of individual or group project participation. Requires separate application.

Sponsored by the Indiana Historical Society