The AHPP “Preserve Our Past” competition is open to all Arkansas students in the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades, including those in public, private, and homeschool settings.
The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program (AHPP) is accepting submissions for the 2026 “Preserve Our Past” Art & Essay Contest. This annual contest invites Arkansas students in grades five through eight to explore the state’s rich architectural and cultural history through creative expression.
The contest is held in conjunction with National Historic Preservation Month, observed each May. It aims to foster an appreciation for Arkansas’ historic places and the importance of preserving them for future generations.
In addition, this year, students may want to consider themes relating to the U.S. Semiquincentennial, such as featuring Arkansas historic sites that have national significance.
“By engaging with historic structures and sites in their own communities, students gain a deeper understanding of the stories that have shaped our state,” said Scott Kaufman, Director of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program. “The ‘Preserve Our Past’ contest encourages the next generation of Arkansans to become active stewards of our heritage.”
Contest Guidelines: The competition is open to all Arkansas students in the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades, including those in public, private, and homeschool settings. Entries are divided into two age categories: 5th/6th grade and 7th/8th grade.
Theme: All submissions must focus on a historic Arkansas property that is at least 50 years old.
Art Category: Original artwork must be 11 x 14 inches and executed on paper (no stretched canvas or oil paints). Entries must be able to be framed in a standard 11 x 14-inch frame. Art submissions must be mailed or hand-delivered; digital entries are not accepted for this category.
Essay Category: Original essays should be no longer than 500 words. Creativity is encouraged, though the subject must be a real Arkansas property. Essays may be submitted via mail or email.
Prizes and Recognition: All participants will receive a certificate of participation. First, second, and third-place winners in each category will receive trophies, and two honorable mentions will receive ribbons. Winning artwork will be professionally framed and exhibited at the Historic Arkansas Museum in Little Rock from May through August 2026.
Submitted works may also be featured on AHPP social media.
All entries must be postmarked or submitted digitally by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
