Enter Salem's 2026 Historic Landmarks Commission Photo Contest

Pictured above: Winner of the 2025 Historic Interiors Category, Thomas Kay Woolen Mill by Jacqueline Klose

The Salem Historic Landmarks Commission is inviting people of all ages to submit photos highlighting Salem's 'Hidden History' for the 12^th annual Historic Photo Contest.

The annual city-wide contest invites photographers to photograph buildings, features and places that are important to Salem's history. Photographers are encouraged to find those little-known or overlooked gems that tell Salem's story. Our downtown neighborhoods are full of historic buildings and alleys to feature.

The contest is open to both amateur and professional photographers. Contest categories include:

• Historic Interior
• Historic Exterior
• Historic Landscape, Streetscape or Feature (bridges, walls, signs, trees or cultural gardens)

In past years, popular entries have included well-known landmarks like Bush's Pasture Park, Deepwood Estate, Boone's Treasury and the Ladd & Bush Building.

How to Participate
Up to three photographs can be submitted per person, one photo per contest category. Photos must be taken in Salem, Oregon.

All entries must be made via the online Historic Photo Contest Entry Form by April 30, 2026.

Awards
The Historic Landmarks Commission will select the winning submissions in each age group and category at their May 21, 2026 meeting. Prizes will be awarded on June 18, 2026. Entries will be displayed at the Willamette Heritage Center this summer.

Learn More
For more information, visit the Historic Landmarks Commission web page or call 503-540-2397.