Orlando’s Historic Preservation Board Invites Photo Submissions for 2026 Calendar

News Summary

The City of Orlando’s Historic Preservation Board has announced a call for photographs for its 2026 calendar, focusing on the city’s vibrant ‘Painted Ladies.’ Photographers can submit images of historic homes older than 50 years, capturing the unique architectural styles across various neighborhoods. The deadline for submissions is July 7, 2025, and selected works will earn photographers a $100 honorarium. This initiative aims to celebrate and preserve the historical charm of Orlando through its rich architectural heritage.

Orlando’s Historic Preservation Board Announced Photo Submissions for 2026 Calendar

The City of Orlando’s Historic Preservation Board has unveiled the theme for its upcoming 2026 calendar, inviting photographers to submit images of the city’s colorful historic homes, commonly referred to as the “Painted Ladies.” The initiative aims to celebrate Orlando’s historic neighborhoods by showcasing structures painted with three or more colors that enhance their architectural features.

Submissions are now open for photographs of any building older than 50 years, dating back to before 1970, located in Orlando’s historic districts, as well as those in nearby areas not officially designated as preservation districts. The deadline for photographers to submit their work is set for 5 p.m. on Monday, July 7, 2025.

Details for Submission

Each photographer can submit up to three color photos, which can be captured in either vertical or horizontal formats. For the first time since 2006, the calendar will feature color photographs, thanks to a partnership with McCoy Federal Credit Union. Selected photographers will receive a $100 honorarium for each image chosen for inclusion in the calendar.

The submitted photographs can depict either complete structures or focus on individual architectural details, offering artists the flexibility to capture the unique aspects of Orlando’s historic homes. Eligible neighborhoods for the submissions include Orwin Manor, Rose Isle, Lake Formosa, Rowena Gardens, Lancaster Park, College Park, Park Lake Highland, Audubon Park, Colonialtown North, and several others.

Objective of the Calendar

Since its inception in 1991, the Historic Preservation Board Calendar has served as a platform to showcase Orlando’s historic resources. By centering the 2026 theme around the “Painted Ladies,” the board aims to highlight the vibrancy and diversity of styles that comprise the city’s architectural heritage. Orlando is home to a plethora of richly painted historic houses that each tell a unique story through their designs and color schemes.

Free Distribution

Once produced, the calendars will be distributed free of charge at City Hall, making it accessible to all residents and visitors interested in the history and charm of Orlando’s neighborhoods.

For additional information about the submission process, guidelines, or to peruse past contest winners, interested parties can refer to the links provided by the Historic Preservation Board. This opportunity not only encourages local photographers to engage with Orlando’s history but also celebrates the significance of preserving the architectural identity that has defined the city.

As the deadline approaches, photographers are encouraged to explore the historic districts of Orlando and capture the essence of the “Painted Ladies” that have become symbols of the city’s rich heritage. This call for submissions is an excellent way for the community to participate in preserving and promoting the beauty of Orlando’s architectural past.

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Additional Resources

• Bungalower: Historic Preservation Board Calendar Submissions
• Your Community Paper: Historic District Walking Tours
• Orlando Sentinel: Winter Park Historic Register Controversy
• WFTV: Orlando’s Historic Preservation Calendar Contest
• Click Orlando: Parramore Historic District Recognition
• Wikipedia: Historic Preservation in the United States