Welcome Ceremony
The contest opens by welcoming students and recognizing the work that carried them from local and affiliate contests to the national stage.
The 2027 National Contest.
2027
June 13–17, 2027
The National Contest will be held at the University of Maryland, College Park. NHD says nearly 3,000 students gather there each year with families and teachers.
Location
University of Maryland, College Park
Category awards
Top three entries in each contest category receive awards.
Affiliate awards
One Junior and one Senior entry from each affiliate have an opportunity to receive Outstanding Affiliate Awards.
Contest week
Competition and celebration
The week brings together students from every U.S. state and several territories, Department of Defense schools, and international programs including Korea.
Preliminary and final rounds
Students present their projects over several days. Entries advance through preliminary competition and category final rounds.
Washington, D.C.
Outside competition, students can explore museums and historic sites and begin thinking about the following year’s theme.
Parade and Awards Ceremony
The final-day ceremony begins with the Parade of Affiliates, followed by recognition of winning students, affiliates, and teachers.
June 17
Awards at the Xfinity Center
The official 2027 Awards Ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, June 17, at the Xfinity Center on the University of Maryland campus.
Category Awards
The top three entries in each contest category receive awards.
Special Prizes
Current special prizes recognize outstanding projects connected to designated historical subjects and sponsors.
Outstanding Affiliate Awards
One Junior and one Senior entry from each affiliate may receive Outstanding Affiliate recognition.
Teacher of the Year
NHD recognizes one outstanding teacher in each division for their work and dedication to students.
Official details
Continue on NHD.org
Schedules, participant instructions, special-prize listings, venue policies, and judge registration may be updated as the contest approaches.