2027 NHD-CA Historical Paper Contest

Registration and submission of all historical papers will follow a different format from other categories. Historical papers will not compete at county contests. Instead, papers will be directly submitted to the state Historical Paper Contest.

Each school will be allowed to submit up to 3 papers. Please complete the School Participation Form below to let us know your school plans to participate.

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Teacher Reg Instructions

Student Reg Instructions

How Does It Work?

REGISTRATION & UPLOAD

Each school is allowed to register up to 3 papers in the Historical Paper Contest. Both teachers and students will be required to register.

Registration Closes / Papers uploaded, February 8, 2027.

Fee: $45 per paper

Teacher Reg Instructions

Student Reg Instructions

1ST ROUND JUDGING

Papers will be evaluated by judges from across the state. Top 12 papers in each division will qualify to attend the NHD-CA contest in May.

NO INTERVIEWS IN THE 1ST ROUND.

FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

Junior and Senior Division finalists (Top 12 in each) will compete at the state contest.

STUDENTS MAY REVISE PAPERS BEFORE SUBMISSION DEADLINE.

FINALISTS MUST MEET ALL DEADLINES, INCLUDING REGISTRATION & PAYMENT FOR THE NHD-CA STATE CONTEST.

2026 Finalists

NHD-CA STATE CONTEST

Invited finalists will attend the NHD-CA California state contest in May. Students will be competing for an opportunity to advance to the national contest in June.

ATTENDANCE & INTERVIEWS REQUIRED.

2026-27 Timeline

January 20th

Registration Opens

February 8th

Registration Closes

February 8th

Papers Uploaded

March 19th

Finalists Announced

March 31st

Deadline for Finalists to register for NHD-CA State Contest

April 21st

Submit Revised Paper for
NHD-CA

May 7th – 9th

NHD-CA Contest at Sac State
Registered Finalist Student Interviews

Sacramento County Office of Education

NHD-CA
P.O. Box 269003
Sacramento, CA 95826

Contact Us

[email protected]