The Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site has announced the launch of its inaugural Susan Lawrence Dana Lego Brick Building Competition, organizing a community-wide creative event to commemorate the birthday of the historic residence's visionary patron. Builders across multiple age groups are being called upon to craft and submit original designs that draw inspiration from the realms of architecture, nature, and artistic craftsmanship.
Organizers designed the contest to pay tribute to the enduring legacy of Susan Lawrence Dana, who was widely recognized throughout her lifetime for her dedicated patronage of the arts, design, and artisanal trades. Selected Lego creations submitted by community members will earn a prominent spotlight, being placed on public display throughout the historic rooms of the famous Frank Lloyd Wright-designed estate.
Born on October 13, 1862, Susan Lawrence Dana served as the driving force behind the renowned Springfield property, commissioning the architect to build the mansion while maintaining an active, hands-on role in its overarching design and structural development. Her creative partnership with Wright produced one of the most celebrated examples of Prairie School architecture in the United States.
Historical records highlight Dana's progressive approach to community engagement and social stewardship from the very moment the landmark residence was completed. According to the state historic site, she chose to host the mansion's inaugural social gathering specifically for the construction laborers who built the home and their immediate families, offering their children a meaningful chance to view and appreciate their parents' craftsmanship firsthand.
Beyond opening her home to the workforce, Dana actively supported creative education within the community. She routinely sponsored dedicated instructional courses in art and design while funding and organizing competitive events for students centered on traditional woodworking and other hands-on crafts, establishing a rich tradition of encouraging creative expression that this modern competition seeks to emulate.
Reflecting on her historical impact, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Jim Montgomery emphasized the importance of elevating Dana's name alongside that of her famous architect. Montgomery noted that while Frank Lloyd Wright enjoys worldwide recognition for his architectural achievements, the public must continually remember the vital role played by the woman who originally commissioned and shaped the iconic estate.
Montgomery further explained that the state agency aims to provide an accessible platform for participants of all ages to celebrate Dana's historical advocacy for women and children. By engaging in the competition, builders can produce imaginative, innovative works that align with the spirited support for the arts that Dana championed throughout her life.
To accommodate different creative styles and building traditions, the competition has been arranged into three distinct subject categories. Entrants are invited to submit models focused on architecture, botanical arrangements, or freeform concepts, with competition organizers strongly encouraging builders to showcase entirely original concepts rather than pre-packaged commercial designs.
To ensure equitable evaluation across different experience levels, submissions will be divided into four structured age divisions. The contest features dedicated brackets for young builders ages 5 to 8, youth ages 9 to 12, teenagers ages 13 to 17, and an adult bracket for participants ages 18 and older.
Prospective competitors are required to complete an online submission form no later than October 13, a deadline intentionally selected to coincide with Dana's birthday. Because initial evaluations are conducted remotely, applicants must provide clear photographs of their completed brick creations for consideration by the selection committee.
Following the submission deadline, an independent panel of judges will review the submitted photographs to assess the ingenuity, design quality, and craftsmanship of each model. Official winners across the various categories and age groups are scheduled to be announced on October 31.
The winning builds and selected standout entries will subsequently be installed inside the Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site for a special public exhibition. Visitors touring the historic mansion will be able to view the assembled Lego models displayed throughout the property from November 1 through November 15.
Alongside the building contest, the historic site is conducting a charitable Lego brick collection drive running through October 1. The initiative aims to gather unused building bricks from the community to help expand access to creative construction toys for local youth.
All donated materials given to the Dana-Thomas House Foundation will be systematically sorted and distributed to children through an ongoing partnership with the local organization Compass for Kids. Community members wishing to contribute can bring brick donations to the Dana-Thomas House Foundation office, located at 302 E. Lawrence Ave. in Springfield, which accepts drop-offs daily between 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources clarified in its public announcement that the competition is an independent initiative organized entirely by the state historic site. The event is not authorized, sponsored, affiliated with, or endorsed by the Lego Group.
Members of the public seeking additional information regarding the building competition, entry procedures, or visiting hours for the historic residence can consult the agency's official website at dnrhistoric.illinois.gov. Specific inquiries regarding the contest rules and guidelines can also be directed to the site's staff via email at dnr.historicspringfield@illinois.gov.
(0)