2025 Theme: Rights & Responsibilities in History
Each year, National History Day selects an annual theme. The broad themes encourage students to research a wide variety of topics. Students should use the theme to frame their analysis and show why a topic is significant in history. On this page, you will find an overview of the annual theme and topic prompts and resources from the Massachusetts Historical Society to get you started!
Looking for a topic idea? Check out our Rights and Responsibilities: Topic Ideas Chart! Filter by local, national or international history; historical time periods; topics and themes; and more. You'll find inspiration on all types of topic ideas related to this year's theme, no matter your interests.
NHD’s 2025 theme is Rights & Responsibilities in History. Projects can be about local Massachusetts history, U.S. history, or world history - but all projects must relate to the theme.
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Theme Definitions
What are rights and responsibilities in history?
Rights and responsibilities determine how individuals interact with one another, their communities, and their governments.
Rights are freedoms or privileges that individuals possess as human beings or as citizens of a society
- Civil rights are nonpolitical rights of individuals that their governments are bound to protect through law (freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly, freedom of petition, and freedom of the press)
- Political rights are the rights of citizens to participate in their governments (right to vote, run for public office, and participate in the process)
- Social rights establish a basic standard of living and well-being for all members of society (right to an education, safe housing, and access to food and social services like healthcare)
- Economic rights allow people to participate in their economy (right to own property, work, earn fair wages, and safe working conditions)
- Human rights are universal and apply to all individuals, no matter who governs them and regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender, or other identities (right to life, a fair justice system, and access to the resources of their community)
Responsibilities are expectations of individuals as members of society
- Legal responsibilities are the duty to maintain order and justice within society (obeying the law, paying taxes, and respecting the rights of others)
- Civic responsibilities are the obligation to participate, whether directly or indirectly, in the functioning of the government (voting, staying informed about political issues, and engaging in community activities)
- Social responsibilities are the commitment to treat others respectfully and to help those in need (volunteering in the community and establishing organizations that support others)
- Ethical responsibilities are the charge to make morally sound decisions between right and wrong
What to consider?
- Does everyone have the same rights?
- Who decides who has rights? Who decides on the limits individuals should or should not have?
- What led to establishing certain rights and to whom were they given?
- How have people, governments, or institutions decided what parameters should be set to enforce responsibilities? How are such decisions justified?
- How are rights and responsibilities shaped by political organizations, such as democracy, communism, fascism, socialism, or authoritarianism? What about monarchy, oligarchy, or anarchy?
Theme Pages
These lists have been created by institutions to highlight parts of their collections that relate to this year's theme, "Rights & Responsibilities in History." Check out their resources for inspiration and for sources!
- Harvard University Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies: *NEW*
- The Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation *NEW*
- The Norman B. Leventhal Map Center at the BPL *NEW*
- Boston Athenaeum
- National Archives
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
- White House Historical Association
- Digital Public Library of America
- Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center
- Harvard Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in America
Massachusetts Historical Society Theme Resources:
At the Massachusetts Historical Society, the sponsor of NHD in MA, you can begin searching for inspiration anywhere in our collections: by exploring our library catalogs, our online resources, our collection guides, or by visiting us in person. You can also check out our Rights and Responsibilities: Topic Ideas Chart to explore topics that MHS has primary sources on. Check out our prompts below for additional inspiration!
Have research questions? Not sure where to start? Our Library Reader Services are happy to help! You can contact our librarians at 617-646-0532, by email at reference@tongyaoww.com, or via live chat and virtual reference services with any questions.
Interested in getting reproductions of materials that aren't digitized online? Learn about our reproductions policies on our website, or email reproductions@tongyaoww.com with specific questions.