Funded by a U.S. Department of Education grant, the program will provide hands-on training for Wisconsin teachers to strengthen history education and student engagement
STEVENS POINT, Wis. – The Wisconsin Historical Society, in partnership with National History Day® (NHD), is proud to announce new professional development opportunities for Wisconsin educators in northern and central counties as part of a nearly $2 million American History and Civics Seminars Program grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Wisconsin is one of eight states across the nation supported by this grant to host teacher-focused professional development. The grant will support educators in Adams, Clark, Green Lake, Juneau, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Marquette, Oneida, Portage, Price, Shawano, Taylor, Vilas, Waupaca, Waushara and Wood County.
The initiative will offer hands-on training for teachers in Central Wisconsin for the 2026-2027 academic year, focusing on project-based learning, developing students’ critical thinking skills and engaging with local historic resources. Workshops are designed to strengthen the National History Day program and support teachers in helping students connect more deeply with history.
“Teachers play a vital role in helping students discover the relevance of history in their own lives and communities,” said Abby Pfisterer, Director of PK-12 Education for the Wisconsin Historical Society. “We are thrilled to bring these new opportunities to educators across the northern and central part of the state and to continue building a strong foundation for history education in Wisconsin.”
National History Day Executive Director Dr. Cathy Gorn added, “We are excited to collaborate with schools and teachers in these communities to engage more students in the process of historical research. Quality history education helps young people gain a deeper understanding of our shared history and encourages students to become involved and active citizens. By enabling students to develop historical knowledge, critical thinking, and digital literacy, NHD equips them with the tools to engage in their communities.”
In addition, NHD and the American Historical Association will offer a virtual learning series, Revolutionary Ideals: Understanding 250 Years of American Principles, beginning in April 2026. Coinciding with the United States Semiquincentennial celebrated throughout 2026, the series will explore how the ideals of the American Revolution have developed and evolved across American history. Applications will launch in January 2026, with 240 spots available for teachers nationwide.
Grades 6-12 educators in Wisconsin who are interested in participating in the FREE professional development workshop can register here. The workshop will take place on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, at the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point. Grant funding is available to support teacher stipends and classroom supply budgets, and substitute reimbursement is available for educators who participate in the workshop. Registration is due Jan. 30, 2026.
Contact Jessica Schmitz at historyday@wisconsinhistory.org with questions.
About the Wisconsin Historical Society
The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active, and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. For more information, visit www.wisconsinhistory.org.
About National History Day® (NHD)
NHD is a non-profit organization based in College Park, Maryland, that seeks to improve the teaching and learning of history. Established in 1974, NHD currently engages more than half a million students each year in conducting original research on historical topics of interest and supports teachers through professional development opportunities. Students present their research as a documentary, exhibit, paper, performance, or website. Projects compete first at the local and affiliate levels, where the top entries are invited to the annual National Contest at the University of Maryland at College Park. NHD is sponsored in part by the Joyful Noise Charitable Foundation, The Better Angels Society, Bezos Family Foundation, Library of Congress, Dr. Scholl Foundation, Behring Global Educational Foundation, 400 Years of African American History Commission, and the National Park Service. For more information, visit nhd.org.
