Pictured Above: Winner of the 2024 Historic Streetscapes Category, Date Night by Rebekah White

The Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC) is sponsoring its 11th annual Hidden History Photo Contest to celebrate Historic Preservation Month, May 2025.

People of all ages are invited to submit photos that highlight Salem’s "Hidden History." The annual city-wide contest invites you to discover buildings, features, and places thta are important to Salem’s history. 

In past years, populare entries have included well-known landmarks like Bush Park, Deepwood Estate, Boone’s Treasury, and the Ladd & Bush Building. This year we invite you to find those little-known or overlooked gems that also tell the tale of Salem from long ago. Our downtown and neighborhoods are full of buildings, alleys, and interesting features for you to uncover. Examples of previous winners

This contest is open to both amateur and professional photographers of all ages.

Photo contest categories:

• Historic Interior
• Historic Exterior
• Historic Landscape, Streetscape, or Feature (such as a bridge or tree)

Prizes will be awarded for the winning entry in each age group and category. In addition, the chair of the Historic Landmark Commission will choose their favorite photo for a special award.

The Commission will vote on the winning submissions at its June 19, 2025 meeting. Contest winners will be recognized soon after. Prizes from local businesses will be given to the winning photos in each category.

Contest guidelines 

• Photos must be taken in Salem, Oregon.
• Open to amateur and professional photographers
• You are allowed to enter one photo per category.
  • Categories are Historic Exterior, Historic Interior, and Historic Landscape/Streetscape
  • Prizes awarded to Adult and Youth winners
• All submissions are due by June 9, 2025.
• To submit, fill out the Historic Photo Contest Entry Form online and upload your photo.
• To submit via Instagram:

1. Follow @cityofsalemoregon on Instagram
2. Tag us, @cityofsalemoregon, in the photo and use the hashtag #salemHLC2025.
3. Staff will direct message participants a link to the release form. Instagram entries without a signed release form will not be considered.

To mail your entries, or ask questions, please contact City of Salem Staff:

Kimberli Fitzgerald (503-540-2397) or Zachery Cardoso (503-540-2304)
Historic Photo Contest
City of Salem Planning Division
555 Liberty St SE, RM 305
Salem, OR 97301