Museum Partnership Expands NAHB’s Workforce Development Outreach

NAHB has partnered with the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., to collaborate on housing industry initiatives and ramp up efforts to expand workforce development outreach.

The National Building Museum, located four blocks from the National Mall, has transformed the public’s understanding of the impact of architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, construction, planning and design. NAHB will now have a footprint in the museum’s ongoing, engaging exhibitions, educational programs and special events.

“NAHB’s partnership with the National Building Museum will broaden our careers-in-construction outreach to families in our nation’s backyard and all those who visit this awe-inspiring space,” said NAHB Chairman Alicia Huey. “Through wide-ranging events and programs, NAHB will be able to amplify the message that if you choose a career in construction, you’ll be a part of a thriving industry that changes lives and enriches communities.”

Partnership highlights include:

• Exclusive Access for the NAHB Community. NAHB members, executive officers, and HBA and NAHB staff will receive free general admission to the museum through June 30, 2025. This exclusive benefit includes access to all exhibitions and program passes. Provide your business card at the registration desk and identify as an NAHB member. 
• Signature Program Engagement. The Big Build is a high-energy, hands-on community day that invites visitors of all ages to channel their inner builder and discover what it’s like to wear a hard hat, hammer a nail or drill a hole. NAHB will host an interactive station during the event. Last year, NAHB staff connected parents about careers in construction. All NAHB members are invited to attend this year’s event on Oct. 14. 
• Opportunities to Reach Younger Audiences. Storytime at the museum is a popular event that promotes language and literacy skills to children and helps them develop a lifelong love of reading and learning. As a part of the partnership, The House That She Built will be a featured book during select story times and the book will be available at the museum shop. 
• Prominence in Exhibitions. Opening this November, Building Stories is an immersive space within the museum that promotes the exploration of the world of architecture, engineering, construction, and design found in the pages of children’s books. Each visitor will be given a sketchbook with a map of the exhibition for visitors to follow and blank pages for writing, drawing and storytelling. NAHB will be prominently displayed on the sketchbook for ten years.

Behind the scenes, the NAHB and museum collaboration will allow for expanded networking and programmatic opportunities to increase the visibility of careers in construction among students. Visit NAHB’s workforce development resources page for information and resources to bolster skilled trades outreach in your community.