The Mesa Historic Preservation Board and the Mesa Historic Preservation Office have announced the opening of their annual Historical Essay and Visual Arts Contest. The 2026 theme, “Mesa Through Time: Honoring Our Past, Inspiring Our Future,” coincides with America 250 events organized by Mesa’s A250 Committee to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The contest is open to all students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, including those in public, private, charter, or home school programs. While the visual arts contest welcomes students of all grades, the historical essay competition is available for students in grades four through twelve. This year introduces a new option allowing groups of three to six students of any age to submit a group project instead of an individual entry. Registration remains open until March 24.
Visual arts submissions can include video production, sketches, paintings, or 3D models. Writing entries may be either historical essays or fictional stories inspired by Mesa’s history. Both contests share topics such as “Mesa Then & Now,” which compares historic landmarks with current life; “Preserving the Past,” highlighting influential buildings, people, or stories; and “Mesa’s Role in the American Story,” connecting Mesa’s local history to broader U.S. history as part of America 250.
Group projects will focus on designing a mural or sign for downtown Mesa that represents both the city’s history and its future. All submissions must reflect original research and creativity.
Entries can be mailed to the City of Mesa Historic Preservation Office, dropped off at their office during business hours (Monday-Thursday 7 a.m.–6 p.m.), or emailed to historicpreservation@mesaaz.gov. Mailed entries must be postmarked by March 24, 2026. Submitted projects become property of the Mesa Historic Preservation Board and will not be returned.
Entries will be judged separately for essays and visual arts, with awards presented by grade groupings (K-3, 4-6, and 7-12). Every participant will receive a certificate. Cash prizes between $25 and $100 will go to first-, second-, and third-place winners in each category for both students and teachers. One winning group project will earn $300 for student participants and $100 for their teacher.
Winners are invited to an awards ceremony on May 2 at The Post (26 N. Macdonald) during Historic Preservation Month. Further details and entry forms are available on The Historic Preservation Office’s webpage.
