History Day Resources

Database Sources and Tips

Click here to access History Databases

Tips for using the databases

Tips for using NoodleTools

Current Research Topics and Online Resources

1. Hedy Lamarr - her roles as film star and inventor

In addition to our US History databases and Proquest, you might look at our science databases, since Hedy Lamarr was also an inventor, as well as this entry from the National Women's History Museum. Try also searching the database of the Museum of the Moving Image.

2. How accurate was the portrayal of the fall of the Romanovs to the people of Russia?

Your first stop should be our world history databases, but also makes sure to try ProQuest. You will likely find article on this topic that will lead you to other sources. You might also take a look at documentaries, such as this one from the BBC.

3. The history of slang

You may need to narrow this topic (such as slange related to specific subject, country, or group). Try searching Proquest. The Oxford English Dictionary (listed in our English databases) will be useful for looking at the historical use of a particular word. Another interesting online stop is the Urban Dictionary. This crowdsourced site was established to create a reference tool for slang words not typically found in conventional dictionaries.

4. RBG and Scalia - a study in civil discourse and dissent

The U.S History databases will be great resources for you. You may wish to choose a few specific cases to anchor your study. Cornell University maintains a database of Supreme Court Cases. The Supreme Court has is own website and database.

5. Anna May Wong - How the 1st Asian American Hollywood star helped end the Chinese Exclusion Act

In addition to visiting our US History databases and ProQuest, visit the National Women's History Musuem for information on Anna May Wong, along with a video from the PBS American Masters Series. The National Endowment for the Humanities article provides an overview of the Chinese Exclusion Act.

Tip: Once you know your specific topic, ask a librarian to help you find the right and/or additional resources.