Are you a middle school-high school student? Do you want to engage in research @ the MATT?
For more information/to schedule a research appointment, reach out to our archivist, Caleb Weissman.
Research @ The MATT — Connecticut History Day
The Mattatuck Museum is a primary source research hub for students participating in Connecticut History Day, the state’s affiliate of the prestigious National History Day® program. Students in grades 6–12 working on History Day projects can access the museum’s collections, archives, and research staff to find original documents, photographs, artifacts, and historical records that can elevate any project from good to award-winning.
📍 144 West Main Street, Waterbury, CT 06702 | 📞 (203) 753-0381
🔗 Learn more about Connecticut History Day at historydayct.org
What Is Connecticut History Day?
Connecticut History Day is an affiliate of National History Day®, one of the most prestigious academic programs in the United States. Each year, students in grades 6–12 research a historical topic, develop a project — in the form of a paper, exhibit, documentary, performance, or website — and compete at regional, state, and national levels.
The program builds critical thinking, research, writing, and presentation skills. Students who place at the Connecticut State Contest advance to the National History Day® Contest at the University of Maryland.
Connecticut History Day is a Connecticut Democracy Center program in-residence at Connecticut’s Old State House.
Why Research at the Mattatuck Museum?
The Mattatuck Museum has been collecting and preserving the history of Waterbury, Connecticut, and the Naugatuck Valley since 1877. That makes it one of the richest repositories of regional primary sources in the state — an invaluable starting point for any History Day project with a Connecticut connection.
Research resources available to History Day students include:
- Traurig Library & Archives — books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents relating to Waterbury and Connecticut history
- Orton P. Camp Jr. History Exhibit — hands-on exploration of Waterbury’s industrial and cultural heritage, including the brass and manufacturing industries that shaped the region
- Waterbury Button Museum — artifact collection documenting over 200 years of button manufacturing history
- Permanent art collections — original works spanning Early American, Modern, and Contemporary periods with strong Connecticut connections
- Museum collections database — searchable online at ctcollections.org
- Expert staff — museum educators and historians available to help students identify and interpret primary sources
Connecticut History Day — Key Dates
| Milestone | Timing |
|---|---|
| Annual theme announced | September |
| Regional / District Contests | Late winter / early spring |
| Connecticut State Contest | Spring |
| National History Day® Contest (University of Maryland) | June |
Check historydayct.org for exact dates each year.
Project Categories
Connecticut History Day students may compete in five categories:
| Category | Format |
|---|---|
| Exhibit | Tri-fold or multi-panel display with visual and written components |
| Documentary | Student-produced film or video |
| Performance | Live dramatic presentation |
| Paper | Traditional research paper |
| Website | Multi-page digital presentation |
Individual and group entries are accepted in most categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Connecticut History Day? Connecticut History Day is the state affiliate of National History Day®, a prestigious academic competition for students in grades 6–12. Students research a historical topic, create a project, and compete at regional, state, and national levels. It is a Connecticut Democracy Center program in-residence at Connecticut’s Old State House.
How can the Mattatuck Museum help with my History Day project? The Mattatuck Museum offers access to primary sources, archives, historical artifacts, and expert staff that can support Connecticut History Day research — especially for projects related to Waterbury, Connecticut, and Naugatuck Valley history. The museum has been collecting regional history since 1877.
What research resources does the Mattatuck Museum have for History Day students? Resources include the Traurig Library & Archives, the Orton P. Camp Jr. History Exhibit, the Waterbury Button Museum, the museum’s permanent art collections, and a searchable online collections database. Museum staff can also assist students in identifying and interpreting primary sources.
Does the Mattatuck Museum host a Connecticut History Day contest? [Confirm and add your answer here.]
How do I register for Connecticut History Day? Students and teachers register online at historydayct.org. There is a $5 fee for the District Contest. Contact your school’s social studies department or visit the Connecticut History Day website for full registration details.
What grades can participate in Connecticut History Day? Connecticut History Day is open to students in grades 6–12.
How do Connecticut students advance to the National History Day Contest? Students who finish in first or second place at the Connecticut State Contest represent Connecticut at the National History Day® Contest, held each June at the University of Maryland.
Can I search the Mattatuck Museum’s collections online? Yes. The Mattatuck Museum’s collections are searchable through the Connecticut Collections database at ctcollections.org.