National History Day 2027

THEME: Innovation in History – Impact, Influence, Change

CONTEST DATES:

• February 27, 2027 – GKC Regional Contest
  Hosted by Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum
• April 24, 2027 – State Contest (Missouri)
  Hosted by Columbia (MO) Public Schools
• June 13-17, 2027 – National Contest
  Hosted by University of Maryland, College Park

GRADES: 6-12

PROGRAM COST: Free

Get Ready for National History Day!

We’re more than a contest host, we’re your trusted NHD partner. The education team at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum has deep experience supporting students and educators participating in National History Day. From research guidance to primary-source resources, we’re here to help students turn their curiosity about history into compelling—and award-winning—projects.

Registration for the regional GKC National History Day contest will open in January 2027 and will close on February 5.

For more information, email mark.adams@nara.gov.

Virtual Workshop

From Idea to Innovation: Guiding Students through National History Day

Drawing on more than a decade of experience guiding students through National History Day—including 11 state finalists and 8 national qualifiers—Angie Allison shares practical strategies for making NHD work at every level, from first-time participants to returning competitors.

Grounded in the 2027 NHD theme, “Innovation in History: Impact, Influence, Change,” this workshop offers theme-aligned topic ideas, classroom-ready tools and time-saving tips to help educators guide students from their first idea to a strong competition project.

Did you miss this phenomenal NHD workshop with Angie Allison? No worries—it’s available online!

WATCH NOW

Angie Allison
Curriculum Specialist and White House Decision Center Facilitator

PRAISE FOR OUR PRESENTER

Angie Allison’s advice was so helpful and professional, it really elevated the project, and added to my experience of NHD.  -Éabha K

Working with Angie Allison was the best decision. She helped to bring a level of professional advice and experience to the project that I simply didn’t have. Her depth of knowledge of National History Day was incredibly helpful.  – Jessica Miescher-Lerner

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The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum is your partner for all things National History Day, from preliminary workshops to advanced training for national champions.

National History Day is an interdisciplinary research project for students in grades 6-12. Students choose a topic that relates to the annual theme, research that topic, and present their work in one of five presentation categories: Research Paper, Exhibit, Documentary, Performance, or Website. Students may then enter their projects into History Day competitions at regional, state, and national levels.

History Day teaches students to:

• Conduct in-depth research
• Use primary and secondary sources
• Read a variety of texts
• Analyze and synthesize information
• Write and present historical content