History Hunters
The NSCDA/PA developed the History Hunters Youth Reporter Program in 2003 and has administered the program for over 20 years, serving over 50,000 Philadelphia school students since its inception. History Hunters is an exciting, literacy-based educational program that takes students to five exceptional historic sites in Germantown during the school year. Students in the program become investigative reporters, writing about their experiences with the history, buildings, and artifacts of their community. Participation in the program is free to all Philadelphia School District 4th and 5th grade classrooms.
NHD Philly 2025 Update
The NSCDA/PA is a proud supporter of National History Day Philly. NHD Philly, hosted by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, provides 6th-12th grade students with the opportunity to create historical research projects. During the 2024-25 school year, NHD Philly reached 590 students from 13 schools. Outside of the local competition, NHD Philly provided lessons, research, and project development support. 128 students from 13 schools participated in the NHD Philly competition on March 13, 2025 at the National Constitution Center, where 11 NSCDA/PA staff and volunteers acted as judges. 57 students advanced to the state competition at the University of Scranton in May, and 14 students advanced to the national competition at the University of Maryland in June. NHD Philly provided barrier-free access to Philadelphia students, and covered all costs of participation (travel, supplies, and lodging). The NSCDA/PA sponsors the NHD Philly Fellow, who helps to plan and manage logistics for both the Junior and Senior Division NHD Philly contests.
NSCDA Congressional Essay Contest
Started in the 1960s, the Congressional Essay Contest is an annual writing competition run by NSCDA corporate societies across the United States. High school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors submit essays for a chance to win a scholarship for the Workshop Foundation’s renowned Congressional Seminar in Washington, D.C.
Winners of the contest receive full tuition and support for travel to our nation’s capital for the Congressional Seminar, a highly interactive, civics-focused workshop. The scholarship also provides university campus housing and meals, access to world class museums, tours, and more!
Naturalization Ceremonies
In the early days of the NSCDA, our members focused on preparing educational materials for immigrants undertaking the naturalization process. Today, those efforts have expanded to include participation in citizenship ceremonies and welcome receptions for new citizens of all ages.
The NSCDA/PA participates in Naturalization Ceremonies in Philadelphia, Lancaster, and Pittsburgh.
Veterans History Project
The NSCDA has partnered with the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress, a group that works to collect and preserve the firsthand recollections of military veterans for future generations. Dating from World War I to more recent conflicts and peacekeeping missions, these compelling stories provide key insight into the realities of military service. Since our partnership began, NSCDA Dames have conducted, documented, and cataloged more than 500 interviews with veterans.
NSCDA/PA Book Club
The book club provides a way for members to engage with history through literature, often focusing on historical topics relevant to the organization's mission of education and preservation
