The newest inductees to the National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong Museum in Rochester, New York were announced on November 5. Three objects of play received the honour: Baby Nancy, Sidewalk Chalk, and Jenga.
The National Toy Hall of Fame recognizes objects of play that ignite the imagination and which have earned a place in the hearts and minds of the public over generations. Each year, the toys and games chosen as finalists go through a rigorous review process. Inductees are announced at a live ceremony at The Strong Museum each November.
Other 2020 nominees included Bingo, Breyer Horses, Lite-Brite, Masters of the Universe Toys, My Little Pony, Risk, Sorry!, Tamagotchi, and Yahtzee.
The three newcomers join past inductees, including Matchbox cars (2019), Twister (2015), the Easy-Bake Oven (2006), View-Master (1999), and Etch A Sketch (1998).
Do you feel a deserving classic toy or game is absent from the National Toy Hall of Fame? Use the nomination form on the National Toy Hall of Fame website to advocate for your pick for November 2021 induction. The four major criteria for nomination outlined by The Strong include: Icon-status (the toy is widely recognized, respected, and remembered); Longevity (the toy is more than a passing fad and has enjoyed popularity over multiple generations); Discovery (the toy fosters learning, creativity, or discovery through play); and Innovation (the toy profoundly changed play or toy design).
Learn more about the 2020 inductees in The Strong’s news release.
