2026 Contest Updates and Results!

2027: Innovation in History: Impact, Influence, Change

“The theme for National History Day® (NHD) 2027 is Innovation in History: Impact, Influence, Change. “Innovation goes beyond creating new tools or devices to finding new ways of thinking, organizing, and influencing society. To put it simply, innovation, at its core, is about change and the impact of that change.

To fully explore innovation in a historical context, we must look beyond the idea itself and examine its effects. How did people, over time, imagine, develop, and implement new ideas, technologies, or methods? And in what ways did those innovations influence societies?”

Check out the NHD 2027 Theme Guide and the NHD Philly 2027 Partner Resource Guide!

The 2027 NHD Philly competition will be held on Thursday, March 18th at the National Constitution Center!

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topic inspiration

Innovation comes in many forms. Check out some of the topics below to get some ideas and sources for your NHD Philly 2027 project!

ABOLITION

In 1854, William Still remarked upon “ingenious strategems” that enslaved people deployed to secure their freedom. One such remarkable and innovative case came in 1849 with Henry “Box” Brown. Brown mailed himself from enslavement in Virginia to freedom in Philadelphia. Learn more about Henry “Box” Brown’s story here, and consider the impact that Brown’s story had on both anti- and pro-slavery efforts.

PUBLIC HEALTH

Samuel Gibson Dixon began his career as a lawyer, but eventually transitioned to medicine. He helped pioneer public safety initiatives around disease prevention (specifically, tuberculosis) and saved countless lives. These public safety and information campaigns influenced government policy and the public’s behavior, leading to a drastic change in disease mortality at the time.

HOUSING

Morris Milgram was a housing developer. His planned community projects were uniquely designed to combat redlining. His innovative development projects had a direct impact on the availablility of integrated housing. Consider the influence that these communities had on other housing developers, and what change in bank or building policies might have occurred as a result.

Project Registration

Competition registration for NHD Philly will be through ZFairs for the 2027 season! Check back soon for more information and instructions. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the NHD Philly team with any questions at nhdphilly@gmail.com.

State and National Competitions

Students who place and qualify at the Philadelphia competition are automatically eligible for the NHD in PA State Competition held at the University of Scranton! Philadelphia students who place at the state contest then go to the National Competition held at the University of Maryland, College Park in June. And remember: NHD Philly helps cover costs (registration, travel, lodging, food) for Philly students who go on to the state and national competitions!

VOlunteer to judge

Judging sign-ups for the 2027 competition will open soon! NHD Philly is using the ZFairs platform for this competition year. Check back soon for more details and instructions!