Youth Can Make Connections to 250th Anniversary Commemoration Through Building America Challenge
As America commemorates the 250th anniversary of its founding, Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park invites visitors to connect with the national commemoration through “Connections” events. One event in the series, the Building America challenge, invites youth to explore the people, places, ideas and innovations that have shaped the nation through creativity and brick-building.
The challenge will be on Aug. 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT at Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park in Hodgenville, Kentucky.
In the Building America challenge, youth participants will create original builds inspired by the theme “Building America.” Possible topics include American history, Abraham Lincoln, national parks and monuments, famous Americans, transportation and innovation, community and civic life, patriotic themes, America's future and 250th anniversary themes.
“Connections: Building America reflects the spirit of the 250th anniversary commemoration by encouraging young people to explore America's story through creativity, innovation and imagination,” said Superintendent Joshua Manley. “Just as Abraham Lincoln's journey began here in rural Kentucky, this event reminds us that every community has a place in the American story.”
The competition is open to youth ages 18 and under and will feature four age divisions. Participation is free, but advance registration is required. Registration will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with limited spaces available in each age division. Parent or guardian permission is required for all participants under the age of 18.
Through the support of the Lincoln Presidential Foundation, nationally recognized Abraham Lincoln presenter and historian Fritz Klein will serve as a guest judge. Klein will present a Lincoln's Choice Award in each age division, recognizing the build that best reflects the ideals, character and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. Klein will also facilitate multiple programs.
A competition judge from Bricks and Minifigs, Louisville, will present a Master Builder's Choice Award in each age division, recognizing outstanding achievement in design, creativity and execution. The company will also support family-friendly activity stations featuring hands-on brick-building opportunities throughout the day.
Visitors attending the event will have an opportunity to participate in selecting a People's Choice Award, recognizing the favorite build as chosen by park visitors.
Award recipients will have the opportunity to display their builds in a temporary exhibit in the visitor center and museum through the rest of 2026.
The Building America challenge is free and open to the public. Families, community members and building enthusiasts are encouraged to attend, support participating youth and celebrate the creativity and ideas that continue to shape America.
Additional challenge rules, registration information and event details are available at https://www.nps.gov/abli/planyourvisit/building-america-brick-challenge.htm
Participants may register online through Eventbrite at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/building-america-brick-challenge-at-the-abraham-lincoln-birthplace-tickets-1991702588056
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park will host other Connections events in 2026 to offer visitors the opportunity to connect with the national 250th anniversary commemoration:
- Connections: Becoming America (Naturalization Ceremony)
- Connections: America’s Story (An Evening with Sean of the South)
- Connections: Birthplace Illumination (A Red, White and Blue Christmas)
