October 28, 2024, 9:30 a.m.
St. Mary’s County Museum Division Debuts Interlocking Building Bricks Lighthouse Challenge for the Holiday Season
LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Friends of St. Clement's Island & Piney Point Museums, the non-profit organization that supports the St. Mary’s County Museum Division, is announcing an exciting competition this holiday season in honor of the oldest lighthouse on the Potomac River. For the challenge, participants will create a lighthouse model using interlocking building bricks and bring it to the Piney Point Lighthouse Museum for display and judging.
The challenge has two age group categories: ages 12 and under and ages 13 and up.
Challenge Rules:
- MATERIAL: All entries must be made with interlocking building blocks (any variety or brand).
- SIZE: The final size of your entry must be no bigger than 12 inches wide x 12 inches deep x 24 inches high.
- BASE: Entries must be placed on a sturdy base, such as plywood, foam core or heavy cardboard. The base should be able to support your entry’s weight without bowing.
- No kits may be entered. The entry must be constructed as a completely unique creation.
- No electronics or other materials are allowed. All components must be interlocking building blocks.
To enter, models should be brought to the main museum building (44720 Lighthouse Road Piney Point, MD 20674) any day from November 25, 2024, to November 30, 2024, (closed Thanksgiving Day) between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Models will be on display for all of December 2024 for voting. Models can then be picked up any day from January 2, 2025, to January 12, 2025, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
“To really celebrate Piney Point Lighthouse during the holidays, we thought this competition would be a fantastic way to get families and the community involved,” says Karen Stone, Manager of the St. Mary’s County Museum Division. “What’s even more fun is that everyone will be able to see their creations on display at the museum!”
The selection of winners will be done by popular vote. All who attend the Evening Tides event, Holiday Open House at Piney Point or visit the museum during the month of December 2024 (regular admission applies, closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. will receive a ticket to cast their vote. Additional tickets may be purchased at the museum store at 5 tickets for $1.00, with proceeds benefiting the museum. Winners will be notified on January 2, 2025. The overall winner in each age group will receive a $25 Amazon gift card and bragging rights as 2024's best lighthouse builder!
Participation is FREE and registration is required by emailing janet.cooper@stmaryscountymd.gov or calling (301) 475-4200 ext. 1832.
- For more information about the contest (CLICK HERE), holiday events, or Piney Point Lighthouse Museum, please call (301) 994-1471 or visitwww.Facebook.com/1836Light.
About the St. Mary’s County Museum Division
The St. Mary’s County Museum Division was established by the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County to collect, preserve, research, and interpret the historic sites and artifacts which illustrate the natural and cultural histories of St. Mary’s County and the Potomac River. These sites include St. Clement’s Island Museum, Piney Point Lighthouse Museum, the Old Jail Museum, and the Drayden African American Schoolhouse. With this as its charter, the Museum Division serves as a resource, liaison and community advocate for all St. Mary’s County public and private cultural assets. For more information, please visit: museums.stmarysmd.com.
