The Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site has announced the launch of the inaugural Susan Lawrence Dana Lego Brick Building Competition, a creative initiative established to commemorate the birthday of the historic property’s pioneering patron. The contest invites builders of every generation to design and submit original brick constructions reflecting themes of architectural structure, the natural world, and artistic innovation.
Organizers designed the contest to celebrate Susan Lawrence Dana’s lasting influence as a champion of fine craftsmanship, design, and cultural pursuits. Those whose submissions are chosen through the judging process will have their completed creations placed on public display inside the renowned Springfield residence, which was designed by acclaimed architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Susan Lawrence Dana was born on October 13, 1862, and went on to commission the landmark residence, maintaining a deeply engaged role throughout its design and building phases. Her forward-thinking vision helped shape the home into one of the most celebrated examples of Wright's early twentieth-century Prairie-style architecture.
Beyond her contributions to the physical construction of the estate, Dana established a reputation for community connection and social consciousness. According to historical details highlighted in the event announcement, she organized the very first social gathering inside the newly finished home specifically for the craftspeople and construction laborers who built it, inviting their families so their children could witness firsthand the craftsmanship achieved by their parents.
Her philanthropy and community dedication extended deeply into education and artistic development. Throughout her lifetime, Dana sponsored a variety of specialized art and design classes while simultaneously fostering student contests centered around hands-on disciplines, including woodworking and practical decorative crafts.
Jim Montgomery, the director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), underscored the significance of highlighting Dana’s historical contributions alongside those of the estate’s famous architect. In an official statement, Montgomery noted that while Frank Lloyd Wright is universally celebrated, the public must never overlook the essential woman who commissioned the estate.
Director Montgomery emphasized that this competitive event presents an ideal occasion for individuals across all age brackets to reflect on Dana’s historic advocacy for children and women. He expressed hope that participants would embrace the challenge to produce imaginative, joyful, and inventive entries that mirror the spirit she championed during her lifetime.
The building competition is structured around three core thematic categories designed to inspire broad creative expression: architecture, botanicals, and a freeform division. Organizers have strongly encouraged entrants to submit entirely original concepts and custom models rather than pre-assembled commercial building kits.
To accommodate different developmental stages and skill levels, entries will be categorized and evaluated across four distinct age groups. The divisions encompass young builders ages 5 to 8, youth ages 9 to 12, teenagers ages 13 to 17, and an adult bracket for participants who are 18 and older.
Prospective participants must complete their registration and submit digital photographs of their finished models through an online application process. The entry submission window is scheduled to close on October 13, aligning with the anniversary of Susan Lawrence Dana’s birthday.
Following the submission deadline, an appointed panel of judges will review the submitted imagery to evaluate each entry and select the premier works in each division. The winning participants will be publicly announced on October 31, after which the selected models will be installed within the Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site for a special public exhibition running from November 1 through November 15.
Alongside the building contest, site officials have coordinated a charitable building-brick drive to support local children. The public donation campaign is currently accepting contributions of standard toy building bricks through October 1 to assist youth programs in the community.
The materials collected by the Dana-Thomas House Foundation during this initiative will be distributed directly to area children through an organized collaboration with the nonprofit organization Compass for Kids, extending Dana's historical dedication to youth engagement.
Community members wishing to contribute building materials may bring their donations to the Dana-Thomas House Foundation office, located at 302 E. Lawrence Ave. in Springfield. The facility accepts donations daily between the hours of 10:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. through the conclusion of the drive.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources clarified in its announcement that the competition is an independent cultural event and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, authorized by, or endorsed by the Lego Group. Members of the public looking for further details about the historic site can visit dnrhistoric.illinois.gov, while specific questions regarding contest rules and submission criteria can be sent to dnr.historicspringfield@illinois.gov.
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