Do you have a favorite toy that deserves to join the ranks of Star Wars action figures, Tonka Trucks, Slinky, and other classic playthings in the National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong? To nominate a classic toy, visit www.toyhalloffame.org/nominate or mail your selection to: National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong, One Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY 14607. Submissions for nominations must be received by the museum by July 31.
On November 7, the National Toy Hall of Fame will reveal the identity of the newest toy inductees. The induction will be followed by a public weekend celebration November 9 and 10.
The National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong recognizes toys that have engaged and delighted multiple generations, inspiring them to learn, create, and discover through play. Criteria for induction 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). A toy may be inducted on the basis of this criterion without necessarily having met all of the first three.
Anyone can nominate a toy for induction into the National Toy Hall of Fame. An internal museum advisory committee comprised of curators, educators, and historians reviews the submitted nominations and determines which toys meet the criteria for selection. A national selection committee then reviews the list of toys that meet the criteria. Each national selection committee member votes for his or her top toy picks for induction. The votes are then tallied, with the toys receiving the most votes making the cut for induction into the National Toy Hall of Fame.
For more information on the National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong, visit www.toyhalloffame.org. For more information on other events, visit The Strong’s calendar.
