National History Day was started in 1979 in Ohio, and it was revolutionary.

However, it has overstayed its welcome.

When it began, it was in a time where project-based learning was unheard of, and people were rather taught to simply read and memorize the material. This was not the most effective strategy in education. National History Day changed all of this. It allowed for a fun learning experience while teaching students the history of our country. 

But the issue arises in the modern day curriculum, where project-based learning is the norm. The standard, if you will. This renders the benefits of NHD obsolete, and it no longer serves its purpose, especially when required. 

When it became required as part of the Maryland school curriculum some five years ago, it was revolutionary and improved education standards. But now that the style of NHD is now the educational norm, it is simply useless in its original intent.

Me, as well as many others, know that this should change, and NHD would be better off as an optional enrichment program rather than a required project. It's time to change.