National History Day 2027

The Hapeville Depot Museum is proud to partner with NHD for Research Roundup 2027.

National History Day 2027 Theme deals with ‘Innovation in History: Impact, Influence, and Change’

Innovation refers to the creation of new ideas, methods, products, or things that, especially in the scope of history, has long lasting impact on the world. Innovations can influence how people live, work, and behave. All innovations have led to change whether great or small.

Our Story

The Hapeville Depot was first built in 1890 and played a major role in the City of Hapeville. Located along the Atlanta & Macon Railroad, near Atlanta’s Hartsfield Jackson International Airport and with the historic Dixie Highway cutting through, Hapeville’s story has long been impacted by innovation and change.

What We Offer

The Depot Museum has an extensive collection of photographs, documents, publications, artifacts, and exhibits spanning the broad history of Hapeville and more.
We are a local history museum with a professional staff. As experts in public history and historical research we offer students the opportunity for consultation on research methods, topics, and more.
We cover a variety of larger historical topics with a localized perspective. Whether touring the museum or engaging with staff we provide opportunities for cultivating ideas.

Work With Us

Innovative Topics

U.S. Air Mail

The impact of early aviation on the U.S. Postal Service in delivering the mail was instrumental to modern aviation. Atlanta Airport would play a major role being one of the earliest designated Air Mail Stations
The Telegraph

The Telegraph was influential in developing mass communication, particularly for the railroad. Train depots became important communication hubs thanks to this technology
Railroads

The City of Hapeville, like many American cities, traces its founding to the railroad. The railroad played a large part in not just American history but in Georgia history as well.
Early Aviation

Early aviation was defined by barnstormers and aerial pioneers. Hapeville and Atlanta Airport have a long history of aviators and innovators in the field of aeronautics.
Early Automobiles

Hapeville was once home to Atlanta’s first racetrack, Candler Speedway. The racetrack was a proving ground not just for drivers but for automobile innovations as well.
WPA & The New Deal

The Works Progress Administration was a innovative New Deal recovery program that impacted communities across the country, including Hapeville.
Aerial Photography

With the innovation of the airplane and the camera, aerial photography became a groundbreaking development in the 20th century. At the Atlanta Airfield, some of the first aerial photographers applied their trade.