Gilder Lehrman opens EduHam Online competition for students

The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History has opened the 2026 EduHam Online competition and lottery for grades 6-12, giving students a free way to study American history through primary sources and creative performance. Winners will get a trip to New York City to see HAMILTON on Broadway, with entries due Dec. 15 for the competition and Feb. 15 for the lottery.

Why it matters: - EduHam Online turns American history into a classroom project that ends with a real-world reward: a chance to see HAMILTON on Broadway. - The free program is built for middle and high school students, giving teachers another way to connect primary sources with creative learning. - The competition expands access beyond students near a live HAMILTON performance.

What happened: - The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History opened entries for the EduHam Online competition and lottery for the new school year. - The program is open to students in grades 6-12. - Competition entries are due Dec. 15, 2026. - Lottery entries remain open through Feb. 15, 2027. - Teachers and parents can learn more and apply at the EduHam Online application site.

The details: - EduHam Online uses primary sources tied to the Founding Era. - Students respond with an original song, rap, poem, scene or other creative performance. - Educators get free access to primary sources, lesson plans, instructional videos and other classroom resources. - Teachers can use the full curriculum or pick individual materials that fit their students. - Ten student projects will be selected through the annual competition. - Another 10 students will be selected through a lottery. - Winners receive a trip to New York City for one student and one chaperone. - The prize includes travel, accommodations and tickets to a special matinee performance of HAMILTON. - The Hamilton Education Program was developed by the Gilder Lehrman Institute with HAMILTON producer Jeffrey Seller and creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. - The program has engaged students nationwide since launching in 2015.

Between the lines: - The program is designed to make history feel less abstract by linking classroom research to performance. - The Broadway tie-in gives students a visible endpoint that can increase participation and motivation. - The mix of competition and lottery broadens access, since not every student needs to submit a top-ranked project to win a trip. - James G. Basker said the program helps students engage with primary sources, ask questions and use creativity to bring historical stories to life. - Jeffrey Seller said the program shows students that learning history can also be a creative experience.

What's next: - Students will submit projects and lottery entries through the posted deadlines. - Educators can begin using the free classroom materials right away. - Selected students will travel to New York City for the HAMILTON matinee performance. - The Institute will continue promoting EduHam Online as part of its broader Hamilton Education Program.

The bottom line: - EduHam Online pairs American history instruction with a high-profile Broadway incentive to drive student engagement and classroom use.