Lockheed Martin's donation goes toward the development of curriculum materials and publicizing the program theme. Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a highly diversified global enterprise principally engaged in the research, design, development and integration of advanced-technology systems, products and services. The corporation's core businesses span space and telecommunications, electronics, information and services, aeronautics, energy and systems integration. Since 1974, National History Day has grown from a local Cleveland, Ohio competition with about 100 students to a national academic program. It is funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities, corporations, foundations, and individuals.
Judges are university professors, high school teachers, museum curators and other public historians.