Essex Heritage 2025 Photo Contest Winners Announced

SALEM, MA — The Essex National Heritage Commission's annual photo contest highlights the beauty, character, and everyday moments of Essex County.

The contest is open to photographers seeks to capture the living landscapes, unique places, and vibrant communities within the Essex National Heritage Area.

Joyce Wood received the Grand Prize for her photograph, "Little Blue Heron and Froglet," taken in Gloucester.

Other winners were recognized across several categories, including "Magic Moments," "Around Town," "Your Favorite Places," and a youth category.

John Abisamra won first place in "Magic Moments," for play time taken in Gloucester, Ken Jordan in "Around Town" for "Art Deco General Edwards Bridge" taken in Lynn, and Mark Katz in "Your Favorite Places" for "Spotlight," taken in Marblehead.

Georgana Cauthers took first place in the youth category.

The Essex County Rev250 Staff Pick was awarded to Peter Van Demark for "Battle of Bunker Hill Reenactment: Longboats Landing Soldiers," taken in Gloucester. Rachel Sinclair received the People’s Choice Award for her image, "Never-Ending Sunflowers," captured in Newbury.

The public is invited to a reception celebrating the winners on Wednesday, March 11, at 5:30 p.m.

The event will take place at the Salem Armory Visitor Center, located at 2 New Liberty Street.

The reception is free, open to the public, and light refreshments will be served.

The 15 winning images will be on display at the Salem Armory Visitor Center from March through April.