INDIANA — The Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology has announced the winners of its annual Historic Preservation Month photo contest, highlighting landmarks and heritage sites across the Hoosier State.
According to a news release, the winning entries — along with a selection of other submissions — will be featured throughout May on the agency’s official Instagram page as part of Historic Preservation Month.
The contest, held each year, encourages photographers of all ages to capture the character and significance of Indiana’s historic places, from rural barns to industrial structures and community landmarks.
Contest Winners
This year’s winners represent a wide geographic range and showcase diverse elements of Indiana’s built history:
Altered Category: Cindi Myers of Millersburg (Elkhart County) for a photo of a round barn in Nappanee.
Black and White Category: Kyle Hooker of Sullivan (Sullivan County) for a coal tower in Sullivan.
Color Category: Carla Hall of Roann (Wabash County) for the Hileman Round Barn in Silver Lake.
Kids Category: George Overpeck of Rockville (Parke County) for St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Annual Theme (National Road): Jennifer Minnis of Paris, Illinois, for a service station in Manhattan along U.S. Route 40.
The annual theme category focused on the historic National Road, known today as U.S. 40 — one of the nation’s earliest federally funded highways and a key route in westward expansion. In Indiana, the road passes through several historic communities and remains an important cultural corridor.
Historic Preservation Month, celebrated nationwide each May and led by groups like the National Trust for Historic Preservation, aims to promote awareness of historic places and the importance of preserving them for future generations.
Indiana’s Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology plays a central role in identifying and protecting historic resources statewide. Its work includes maintaining the state register of historic sites, assisting with preservation grants, and conducting archaeological research.
Officials say contests like this one help connect residents to local history in a creative way.
“Photography offers a unique perspective on the places that define our communities,” the agency noted, encouraging Hoosiers to continue exploring and documenting historic sites throughout the year.
The winning images and featured submissions can be viewed on the DNR’s Instagram page during May.
