Story Number: NNS140130-06Release Date: 1/30/2014 9:59:00 AM

From Hampton Roads Naval Museum

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Calling all ship builders! The Hampton Roads Naval Museum (HRNM) will bring back its "blockbuster" LEGO Shipbuilding event for a third year Feb. 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This free program invites LEGO shipbuilders of all ages to share their creations with fellow enthusiasts on one exciting day - and compete for fabulous prizes!

The popular signature event is presented in partnership with the Hampton Roads Naval Historical Foundation, the Naval Historical Foundation, and Bricks 4 Kidz. Children and adults alike can bring their pre-constructed LEGO ships (either from a kit or from scratch) to display at the museum prior to 2 p.m., Feb. 8. HRNM will award prizes for five winning age categories, along with a new category this year - "fan favorite" - voted on by you!

Don't have a ship made already but want to be part of the contest? Never fear! Throughout the day, visitors can stop by a ship-building station and create their own ships. Educators will also be on hand to share the science behind building ships with LEGOs. In addition, visitors can create historic naval ships from HRNM's own diagrams. Each year, staff members add new ships to their on-site brick fleet. New ships this year include the USS Onondaga; USS Maine, and CSS Nansemond.

Several LEGO-related activities will accompany the event, so be sure to bring your creativity to the Hampton Roads Naval Museum.

The Hampton Roads Naval Museum, www.hrnm.navy.mil , introduces visitors to more than 238 years of U.S. Naval history in Hampton Roads, Virginia. One of 10 officially operated U.S. Navy museums reporting to the Naval History and Heritage Command, the museum houses a rich collection of authentic uniforms, weaponry, underwater artifacts, detailed ship models and artwork. The Hampton Roads Naval Museum is located on the second level of Nauticus. Admission is free.

For more news from Naval History and Heritage Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navhist/.