INDIANA– The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is calling on photographers to grab their cameras and help document the state’s architectural legacy. The Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology (DHPA) has officially opened its annual photo contest, a tradition held since 2005 to showcase Indiana’s unique historic resources.
Photographers of all ages and skill levels have until April 3 to submit their work for a chance to be featured in the state’s Historic Preservation Month celebrations
To ensure entries celebrate Indiana’s built environment, the DNR has established several specific criteria:
- Age of Subject: Structures featured in the photos must be at least 50 years old. They do not need to be fully restored; “diamond in the rough” properties are welcome.
- Recency: Photos must have been taken within the last two years.
- Location: All subjects must be located within the state of Indiana.
- No Nature-Only Shots: While landscapes can be part of the composition, photos of exclusively natural elements (trees, rivers, etc.) without a historic structure will not be accepted.
2026 Special Theme: The National Road
In addition to the standard categories, this year’s contest features a special focus on the National Road (US 40). As the United States celebrates its Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence), Indiana is paying special tribute to the nation’s first federally funded highway and the historic Hoosier communities that grew along it.
The Five Competition Categories:
- Color
- Black and White
- Altered (digitally enhanced or artistic filters)
- Kids (for photographers under age 18)
- National Road Resources (The 2026 Historic Preservation Month theme)
Each photographer is permitted to enter up to three images. Each image must be accompanied by its own official entry form.
- Format: JPEG files only.
- Size: 10MB or smaller per file.
- Email Protocol: Send only one photo and one entry form per email to DHPAConnect@dnr.IN.gov.
How to Enter
For a complete list of rules, guidelines, and to download the required entry form, visit on.IN.gov/preservation-month and click on the “Historic Preservation Month Photo Contest” link at the top of the page.
Winning photographs are often displayed at the Indiana Statehouse and featured in DNR publications, providing significant exposure for local artists.
