WELCOME HOME

Doors have welcomed many people into their homes, places of work, local shops, and more. They make an unconscious first impression on each building we enter. We imagine each time they say “Welcome” as someone enters through their doorway. In Missouri, countless unique and memorable doors still stand in historic buildings just as they have since their installation, serving the same purpose to greet guests with their unique, historic details. This additional round allows you to submit doors from your community and their story to MMSC.

We are excited to continue learning and sharing the stories behind the doors that you submit! If only these doors could talk about the mundane and significant events that happened around them. From the many memories made, the shop owners cutting the ribbon on their first day open for business, the important news delivered by Pony Express and private meetings; Missouri is a special place full of stories to be shared. We can connect to the people, events, and culture that have shaped our Missouri communities through the memories and stories that are in our hearts and in the physical locations that persevere.

We invite you to participate in this additional round of the “Welcome Home” photography contest for a chance for your community and photo to be included in our “Welcome Home” poster and “Memories on Main Street” publication.

How to Participate:

1. Visit a historic commercial district. See our map of communities that have Main Street designations to know where to start. Submissions are not limited to Main Street communities.
2. Take a photo of a unique, historic door or find a stunning picture you have in your camera roll from a previous visit to a historic commercial district in Missouri. Remember a door can be historic if it is 50 years or older.
3. Submit the photo, a short description, reflection on why this door is meaningful to you or the community, or story behind the door, and your contact information through our contest form on our website between August 9th through November 2nd.
4. MMSC will review submissions and notify the ten winners to be included on the Preservation Month 2025 “Welcome Home” poster with the six winners from the Missouri’s Premier Downtown Revitalization Conference by early-January. All winners will be featured during our Capitol Day in January 2025.