How to enroll
Students enter through their school and the local contest. In Texas it's run by Texas History Day.
- Ask your social studies teacher whether the school takes part
- Pick a topic on the 2027 theme and a category
- Enter your regional contest, then advance to state
In plain words
Students research a topic on the 2027 theme, "Innovation in History: Impact, Influence, Change," and present it as a documentary, exhibit, paper, performance or website. They advance from local and regional contests to the Texas contest, then nationals.
Great for
Kids who love stories, research and making things
Less ideal if
They want a quick contest. This is a months-long project.
What it takes
Cost
Not listed on the national site. Ask your local contest.
Format
In person · documentary, exhibit, paper, performance or website
Who
Solo or a group of 2–5 (papers are solo)
Time
A few months of research, fall to spring
Where it leads
- School and regional contests
Dates set locally
- Texas contestApr 10, Austin
- National ContestJun 13–17, University of Maryland
First and second place at state advance
Key dates
Dates marked TEXAS or MINNESOTA are that state’s chapter dates. Other states set their own: check the official site.
- 121 DAYSMetro Senior regional registration due (event Mar 8, tentative)MINNESOTAMon, February 22, 2027, 7:59 PM Central
- 124 DAYSMetro Junior West registration due (event Mar 13, tentative)MINNESOTAThu, February 25, 2027, 7:59 PM Central
- 128 DAYSMetro Junior Central registration due (event Mar 16, tentative)MINNESOTAMon, March 1, 2027, 7:59 PM Central
- 131 DAYSMetro Junior East registration due (event Mar 20, tentative)MINNESOTAThu, March 4, 2027, 7:59 PM Central
- 168 DAYSTexas state contest, AustinTEXASSat, April 10, 2027
- 182 DAYSMinnesota State History Day, Minneapolis Convention CenterMINNESOTASat, April 24, 2027
Free prep
Add these dates to my calendar
Dates update on their own when an organizer changes them. Nothing about your child is stored.
Checked against National History Day, find your local contest on October 11, 2026. Suggestions, not guarantees: always confirm with the organizer.