The Strong National Museum of Play launches the National Toy Hall of Fame Eras Tour, a nine-week journey that showcases iconic toys from different eras.
The nostalgia-infused programming invites visitors to explore a different era in toy history each week. From classic toys to puzzles, games, and dolls, the exhibit showcases objects of play celebrated in the National Toy Hall of Fame, an annual event to recognize childhood objects that have influenced play over generations.
“The National Toy Hall of Fame Eras Tour offers a journey through the history of play—from ancient toys like marbles and the humble stick to the rad toys of the 1980s and 1990s, such as Cabbage Patch Kids and the Super Soaker,” says Christopher Bensch, vice president for collections and chief curator, in a Toy Tales exclusive. “We’re excited to celebrate the icons of the National Toy Hall of Fame all summer long and provide families opportunities to explore and share stories of their favourite toys.”
The tour schedule includes:
Timeless Toys Era, June 29 to July 7: Explore toys from ancient history that are still popular today. This week highlights marbles, sticks, kites, puppets, and blankets.
Spin & Tumble Era, July 8 to 14: Discover toys that originated in the Middle Ages and see how play has changed and stayed the same through time. This week highlights dominoes, sidewalk chalk, jump ropes, jacks, the top, and doll houses.
Puzzle Era, July 15 to 21: Learn about the jigsaw puzzle and other toys that emerged from the Enlightenment period, including paper airplanes, rocking horses, alphabet blocks, and bubbles.
Mechanical Powers Era, July 22 to 28: Get industrial! Explore toys of the Industrial Revolution that now call the National Toy Hall of Fame home. This week highlights the jack-in-the-box, the cardboard box, the bicycle, Lionel trains, and the rubber duck.
Classics Toys Era, July 29 to August 4: The National Toy Hall of Fame Eras Tour enters a more modern age of play with classic toys that emerged more than 100 years ago. This week highlights Tinkertoys, Crayola crayons, baseball cards, Lincoln Logs, the teddy bear, and the baby doll.
Roaring & Soaring Toys Era, August 5 to 11: Entering the 20th century, the National Toy Hall of Fame Eras Tour showcases toys from the early 1900s. This week highlights Scrabble, the Radio Flyer wagon, Erector Set, and Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy.
Television Toys Era, August 12 to 18: Celebrate the bee’s knees of the National Toy Hall of Fame Eras Tour as it enters the 1940s and 1950s. This week highlights Candy Land, Mr. Potato Head, Slinky, LEGO, and Tonka trucks.
Groovy Toys Eras, August 19 to 25: Play with groovy toys from the 60s and 70s at The Strong National Museum of Play. This week highlights the Rubik’s cube, Etch-a-sketch, the hula hoop, Lite Brite, Frisbee, and GI Joe.
Totally Rad Toys Era, August 26 to September 2: Cowabunga! Explore these rad toys from the 80s and 90s to celebrate the final leg of the National Toy Hall of Fame Eras Tour. This week highlights Uno, Cabbage Patch Kids, the Super Soaker, Jenga, and American Girl Dolls.
The National Toy Hall of Fame Eras Tour programming is included with general admission.
Learn more about the National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong.
