Annual Theme

Each year, National History Day selects a theme for that year's contests. The theme is broad enough to allow students to choose topics from any time period or place, but narrow enough to help give projects a clear focus. At NHD contests, the theme plays an important role in the judging criteria - projects should clearly connect their topics to the annual theme. 

The 2027 Theme is "Innovation in History: Impact, Influence, Change." 

What does this make you think of? The word "innovation" often pops up in science and technology - but innovations can happen in all areas of human activity: sports, the arts, medicine, design, and more. 

The first step to a great project is building your own understanding of the theme. Here are some resources to help you get started: 

• NHD's Theme page includes the free, downloadable 2027 Theme Book with definitions, ideas, and examples; graphic organizers and brainstorming sheets; and a video introducing the theme. 
• The Library of Congress has many great resources - start with the Chronicling America webinar on the 2027 History Day theme 

Many government agencies, museums, and historical associatuions have created pages highlighting topic ideas for the 2027 theme. Here are just a few - look for more! 

• Office of the Historian of the US House of Representatives
• GovInfo page 
• The National Archives' DocsTeach 
• White House Historical Association 
• Science History Institute page on the 2027 theme 
• National Women's History Museum