LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Friends of St. Clement's Island & Piney Point Museums, the nonprofit 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:
- Materials: All entries must be made with interlocking building blocks (any variety or brand). Note: No electronics or other materials are allowed. All components must be interlocking building blocks/bricks.
- Size: The final size of your entry must be no bigger than 12 inches wide x 12 inches deep x 20 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.
To enter, models should be brought to the main museum building (44720 Lighthouse Road in Piney Point) any day from November 22, 2025, to November 28, 2025, (closed Thanksgiving Day) between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Models will be on display between November 29, 2025, through January 4, 2026, for voting. All who visit Piney Point on those days will receive a voting ticket. Models can then be picked up any day from January 5, 2026, to January 10, 2026, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Participation is FREE. Registration is required by calling (301) 475-4200 ext. 1832 or emailing janet.cooper@stmaryscountymd.gov.
“To really celebrate Piney Point Lighthouse during the holidays, we thought making this competition a yearly occurrence 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 2025 (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 5, 2026. The overall winner in each age group will receive a $25 Amazon gift card and bragging rights as 2025's best lighthouse builder!
For more information about the contest, holiday events, or Piney Point Lighthouse Museum, please call (301) 994-1471 or visit www.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.
