Just in time for Valentine’s Day residents across the Bull City will have a chance to share what they love about Durham in the first ever #loveDURM photo contest!

The concept is simple: take a photo of what makes you love Durham and post it to social media with the hashtag #loveDURM. It could be a place, a local business, or even someone special. Whatever makes you #loveDURM!

The contest will run from January 25th to February 8th, culminating in a #loveDURM party at the Museum of Durham History on Friday, February 10th from 6pm to 8pm. There will be food by Dos Perros, a specialty cocktail by Alley Twenty Six, and Valentine’s Day-themed prizes for the best photos, including the grand prize: a stay for two at the BRAND NEW JB Duke Hotel, as decided by a panel of Durham celebrity judges. Other prizes include:

-A baker’s dozen of bagels every month for a year courtesy of the The Bagel Bar – Durham
-$50 gift certificate for Alivia’s Durham Bistro
-Tasting and Tour for Two at Durham Distillery

*Just added: Two tickets and passes to the donor lounge from the Carolina Theatre!

Durham Mayor Bill Bell, Durham County Commissioner Chair Wendy Jacobs, Hayti Heritage Center Executive Director Angela Lee, and Nasher Museum of Art’s Exhibitions and Publications Manager Reneé Cagnina Haynes are just a few who will be deciding the winners!

Make sure to follow #loveDURM on Instagram and Twitter, and ”like” the Facebook page to get details on the event as they are updated.

Here’s how to participate:

• TAKE a photo of something (or someone) that defines Durham for you. The only rule is that the photo depicts something (or someone) within the city or county of Durham.
• SHARE the photo on Instagram or Twitter using #loveDURM, post to the #loveDURM Facebook page, or submit your photo to the #loveDURM Tumblr blog.
• You can take and share as many photos as you like!

As many photos as possible will be displayed at the Museum of Durham History during the event as part of a community-curated exhibit on why we love Durham! The #loveDURM Tumblr blog, Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram accounts will all remain active and accept submissions throughout the rest of the year, creating a permanent online exhibition of #loveDURM photos.

Keep checking this space as we add more prize details and event info. over the next few weeks!

The #loveDURM contest and celebration event are partnerships between the Museum of Durham History and School of Home. For contest information contact: Matt Lardie: hello@schoolofhome.com