National History Day Pittsburgh 2027

Welcome to the event where the past comes to life and the future is inspired! National History Day Pittsburgh 2027 is a celebration of history, knowledge, and student creativity. Join us in the historic city of Pittsburgh as we explore the theme “Innovation in History: Impact, Influence, Change.”

Hundreds of students throughout the region participate in National History Day Pittsburgh each year. The Heinz History Center is proud to be the regional home for this competition, which serves students from Allegheny, Armstrong, Washington, Greene, Fayette, Westmoreland, and Somerset counties.

This year’s competition will be held in-person at the Heinz History Center on Saturday, March 20 and Sunday, March 21, 2027.

National History Day (NHD) draws upon a unique historical theme each year and encourages middle school and high school students to research history in an exciting and creative way. Students can enter one of five categories—paper, performance, documentary, exhibit, or website. Students may enter as individuals or in teams of 2-5 for all categories except paper, in which students must compete individually.

Students are split into a junior division (grades 6-8) and senior division (grades 9-12).

Each category is judged separately. First, second, and third place winners from both the junior and senior divisions move on to the state competition at the University of Scranton. The top winners from the state competition then move on to the national competition.

2027 NHD Competition Information

To participate in National History Day, teachers must register on zFairs. The zFairs platform will be used for registration, submission of student work, and judging. Teachers should register first, then students can create their accounts and register. Please email any questions to [email protected].

Important NHD Competition Dates

Registration Opens – Wednesday, January 6, 2027 at 9 a.m.

Registration Deadline – Thursday, February 18, 2027 at 11:59 p.m.

Online Submission Deadline – Thursday, February 25, 2027 at 11:59 p.m.

Junior Division Competition – Saturday, March 20, 2027

Senior Division Competition – Sunday, March 21, 2027

Regional Fees

The entry fee for the regional competition is $11 per student and must be paid by Feb. 18, 2027. A friendly reminder that each student is welcome to have two additional guests with them the day of the competition at no additional cost.

Photo Gallery

Five people sit at a table in a modern room, viewing a large screen displaying a historic black-and-white group photograph. *AI generated alt text

Students present their NHD exhibit to judges at the Heinz History Center.

A student in formal clothing presents a German history project to three adults taking notes, with colorful display boards behind them. *AI generated alt text

Students present their NHD exhibit to judges at the Heinz History Center.

Two women stand on a stage with a black curtain, holding protest signs reading SUPPORT THE MATCHGIRLS and OUR FIGHT IS YOUR FIGHT. *AI generated alt text

Students present their NHD exhibit to judges at the Heinz History Center.

Three young men in suits sit at a wooden table in a brick-walled room with barred window and black-and-white photo behind them. *AI generated alt text

Students present their NHD exhibit to judges at the Heinz History Center.

A boy in a white shirt and glasses sits in the foreground; four adults at a table with laptops and papers meet in the background. *AI generated alt text

Students present their NHD exhibit to judges at the Heinz History Center.

A person stands by a flip chart labeled 1980 Case goes to district co, presenting in a dimly lit room with black curtains. *AI generated alt text

Students present their NHD exhibit to judges at the Heinz History Center.

Students present their NHD exhibit to judges at the Heinz History Center.

Three students stand by a project display while a woman with a notebook examines materials; exposed brick walls and posters in background. *AI generated alt text

Students present their NHD exhibit to judges at the Heinz History Center.

Seven people sit at a rectangular table in a history museum, discussing with laptops and papers. Exhibits and plaques are in the background. *AI generated alt text

Students present their NHD exhibit to judges at the Heinz History Center.

A man with white hair and glasses sits at a table with a laptop, papers, and water bottle, facing two young women in a museum room. *AI generated alt text
Six individuals sit at a wooden table in a brick-walled room, some with laptops open, engaged in discussion. A wall clock is visible. *AI generated alt text

Students present their NHD exhibit to judges at the Heinz History Center.

Four youths and an adult stand by a “The Revolutionary Law: Title IX” board with text, photos, and charts in a brick-walled room. *AI generated alt text

Students present their NHD exhibit to judges at the Heinz History Center.

Three people meet at a wooden table in a brick-walled room; a laptop displays a webpage. A black-and-white photo hangs on the wall. *AI generated alt text

Students present their NHD exhibit to judges at the Heinz History Center.

Four boys in black outfits present a project to three adults in a museum hallway with brick walls, wooden beams, and display boards. *AI generated alt text

Students present their NHD exhibit to judges at the Heinz History Center.

A student presents a project on the rise of the USSR to three adults in a wood-beamed room, with a large poster of text and photos. *AI generated alt text

Student presents their NHD performance to judges at the Heinz History Center.

Two women in suits address a seated audience in a museum room with historic photos, plaques, and a monitor on the wall. *AI generated alt text

Students present their NHD website to judges at the Heinz History Center.

CONTACTS

For more information about National History Day, please contact our Learning Team at [email protected]. If you are a student or educator new to National History Day and would like to set up a time to speak with our National History Day Coordinator, please email [email protected].