May is Historic Preservation Month, and the Historic Landmarks Commission is hosting several events, activities, and contests to celebrate Salem's History.

Throughout May, the commission invites you to take photos of parts of Salem's history that are often overlooked and enter them in their 11th annual historic photo contest. The commission would love to see photos of new and unique subjects and encourage you to explore Salem's historic residential neighborhoods.

The commission is also celebrating our Heritage Neighborhoods. The South Central Association of Neighbors (SCAN) is Salem’s newest Heritage Neighborhood. This program helps neighborhoods celebrate and share their unique history.

To learn more about the Heritage Neighborhood Program, visit the Salem Heritage Neighborhood Program. The primary project for this year is a volunteer-driven historic resources survey of the neighborhood. If you are interested in volunteering, you can contact the South Central Association of Neighbors or Jake Morris, the City of Salem Preservation Planner, at jjmorris@cityofsalem.net for further information.

On May 15 at 5:30 p.m., the commission will hold its regular monthly meeting and decide on Historic Preservation Month Awards, which celebrate outstanding historic preservation projects completed in Salem over the past year.

On May 21 at 6:00 p.m., the commission’s Vice-Chair, Cara Kaser, will give a presentation as part of the Willamette Valley History Series. The presentation is called "New Dreams in Old Buildings." You can register to attend at www.SLCSALEM.org/events.

Finally, on May 29 at 6:00 p.m., the commission’s Chair, Kirsten Straus, will lead a public walking tour in downtown Salem. The tour will highlight interesting facts and architecture about buildings that are, or were, downtown. To join the tour, meet at the site of the former town hall, located at the southwest corner of Chemeketa Street and High Street, at 6:00 p.m.