Big smiles and boundless energy from thousands of kids filled the Great Hall at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. during The Big Build event on Oct. 18. NAHB was onsite to represent residential construction.

“NAHB is proud to partner with the National Building Museum to help harness the creativity of children and inspire future career exploration in building and the skilled trades,” said Greg Zick, AVP of workforce development.

The free, daylong event attracted children from across the capital region, which includes portions of Virgina and Maryland. The museum’s Great Hall was filled with dozens of booths with activities such as wiring a light, pouring concrete, and hammering nails. Children were able to use tools and climb inside construction equipment.

NAHB staff led the “Build a House” activity station where children could create their own dream home and receive free gifts including bags, stickers, safety vests and tape measures.

This year, children and parents who visited the NAHB activity area also had the opportunity to meet a builder. Tammie Ross, CEO of Residence by Ross and NAHB BuilderBooks author of Breaking Ground, Breaking Glass Ceilings, spoke with children and adults about what it’s like to be a builder. Ross read The House That She Built during “Story Time,” a new addition to the event. Inspired children requested photos with Ross and adults purchased the book at the museum’s gift shop.

NAHB members visiting the nation’s capital can visit the museum free of charge now through Dec. 31, 2025.