Explore Old Fisherman’s Wharf Historic 450 Photos Online and Share Your Memories or What Inspires You in New Short Essay Contest Celebrating the 181st Anniversary Wharf Birthday Party on October 11th

“Old Fisherman’s Wharf Through the Decades: 1845–2025” Virtual Photo Collection. New Contest Invites Public to Explore Monterey Waterfront History

July 13, 2026, Monterey, CA — What memories or inspiration can one historic photograph bring to life? In honor of the 181st anniversary of Old Fisherman’s Wharf and the 181st Wharf Birthday Party which will be held on Sunday, October 11, 2026,  Fisherman’s Wharf Association invites the public to explore 180 years of Monterey waterfront history through its collection of 450 historic photos online.

The virtual collection, “Old Fisherman’s Wharf Through the Decades: 1845–2025,” can be viewed on the History page at MontereyWharf.com. The History tab is located on the upper left.

For the new 181st Anniversary Wharf Birthday History Short Essay Contest, participants should select one historic photograph by number and title and write a short essay of 100 words or less. They can share a personal or family memory connected to the image or describe what interests, inspires or fascinates them about the photograph and its place in Wharf history.

Since the collection was released last year, many viewers have shared wonderful stories about their families’ connections to specific photographs, as well as their fascination with images depicting the people, businesses and changing waterfront over the decades.

“We hope people will take some time to explore these very special historic photos and choose an image that truly speaks to them,” said Wendy Brickman, President of the Fisherman’s Wharf Association. “Whether a photo brings back a personal or family memory or simply inspires, fascinates or sparks your curiosity, we would love to hear what it means to you. Every person may see something different in these remarkable images, and that is part of what makes sharing our history so meaningful.”

Essays should be emailed with the selected photo number and title to [email protected] no later than Sunday, October 11, 2026, the date of the Wharf Birthday Party. Entrants should put “Wharf Birthday History Essay Contest” in the email subject line.

Three winners, selected via a drawing, will receive Wharf Dollar certificates that may be used at any participating Old Fisherman’s Wharf merchant. First Place will receive $100 in Wharf Dollars, Second Place will receive $50 and Third Place will receive $25. Winners will be announced by Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

For 181 years, Old Fisherman’s Wharf has played an important role in Monterey’s maritime, fishing, commercial and tourism history. Through the online historic photo collection and the 181st Anniversary Wharf Birthday History Short Essay Contest, Fisherman’s Wharf Association hopes to preserve and celebrate the memories, stories and new perspectives inspired by this iconic Monterey landmark.

For more contest and Wharf Birthday Party details, visit the Wharf Birthday Party Event page at MontereyWharf.com.