World's Largest Gathering of LEGO(R) Fans Connects, Competes and Celebrates 50 Years of the LEGO System; ''Build the Trust'' Contest Winners Preserve History Through Creative Play.

WASHINGTON -- History, design and a flair for "bricklaying" converged this past weekend as toy hobbyists preserved some of the country's most renowned National Trust Historic Sites in LEGO(R) form. Replica models were unveiled at BrickFest - the largest LEGO fan gathering in the world celebrating LEGO building as both hobby and art form - which took place at George Mason University April 12-14.

Responding to "Build the Trust," the first-ever building challenge issued to adult enthusiasts by the LEGO Group and National Trust for Historic Preservation, 35 hobbyists showcased the power of LEGO building, using bricks and elements to recreate the charm and detail of more than 40 historic structures, including Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House in Chicago, Cliveden in Philadelphia and the Farnsworth House in Plano, Illinois.

Paul Janssen of Dublin, Ohio, received the Champion LEGO Preservationist title for his LEGO interpretation of Drayton Hall, located in Charleston, South Carolina. Constructed from more than 16,000 LEGO elements, Janssen's model had a striking resemblance to the real structure, featuring details like intricate iron railings and dentil moldings. For his work, Janssen receives a weekend accommodation at one of the National Trust's historic hotels of America, $500 spending money and a one-of-a-kind LEGO trophy.

Geoff Gray of Fort Mill, South Carolina and Arthur Gugick of Highland Heights, Ohio earned first-place honors for their creations of his original "Sand Hills Hotel" and Lyndhurst in Tarrytown, New York, respectively. They received custom-built LEGO medallions, LEGO sets and gift cards for their effort.

"Build the Trust" contest judges included Dwight Young, architectural historian for the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Sharon Park, chief, technical preservation services for the National Park Service and Erik Varszegi and Steve Gerling, both LEGO Master Builders.

"I regularly travel the country to visit our historic sites and encourage preservation among local communities; this weekend I was able to visit more than 40 historic sites in one room and see a wealth of architectural styles, all artfully preserved with LEGO bricks," says Young. "I was fascinated to see the beauty of America's landmarks, constructed in such detail, with something as simple as a LEGO brick. It's no wonder that generations of children have been inspired through building to explore their potential as architects, engineers, preservationists and artists."

LEGO Group owner and grandson of its founder, Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, upon his first visit to Brickfest says, "I am constantly amazed by what children of all ages create from the LEGO system. The fact that so many adults are still celebrating their inner child and building their imaginations only proves that creative play materials foster a lifetime of learning. I know that like me, my father and grandfather would be so proud to see how LEGO play has evolved in the last 50 years."

50 Years of Creative Play

This year, LEGO Group celebrates the 50th Anniversary of its world-famous System of Play that introduced an original and exciting kind of play to inspire generations of young builders. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Town Plan, the inaugural range of LEGO System construction sets launched in 1955, the National Trust issued an "historic" designation for the very first time to a toy.

Together, the Trust and LEGO Group are celebrating preservation, architecture, history and good design through the "Build the Trust" competition for adults, and with the "Brick to the Future: 2055" building challenge for children ages 5-14. Official rules and entry form can be found at www.LEGO50th.com

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The LEGO Group, a privately-held, family-owned company based in Billund, Denmark, is one of the world's leading manufacturers of creatively educational play materials for children. The company is committed to the development of children's creative and imaginative abilities, and its employees are guided by the motto adopted in the 1930s by founder Ole Kirk Christiansen: "Only the best is good enough."

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a private, non-profit membership organization dedicated to protecting the irreplaceable. Recipient of the National Humanities Medal, the Trust provides leadership, education and advocacy to save America's diverse historic places and revitalize communities. Its Washington, D.C. headquarters staff, six regional offices and 26 historic sites work with the Trust's 270,000 members and thousands of local community groups in all 50 states. For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.

LEGO and the LEGO logo are trademarks of the LEGO Group. (C) 2005 The LEGO Group.