October 19, 2007
For Immediate Release
Contact: Susan Trien, 585-410-6359, strien@museumofplay.org
High resolution, downloadable images of current National Toy Hall of Fame® toys are available for media use. Contact: strien@museumofplay.org
National Toy Hall of Fame® Final Nominees
Announced by Strong National Museum of Play® in Rochester, NY
2007 Inductees to be Named November 8
ROCHESTER, New York—Can Hot Wheels® race over the finish line? Will Yahtzee® have a winning toss of the dice? Can the kite soar above the competition?
Strong National Museum of Play® today announced the 12 nominees being considered for 2007 induction into its National Toy Hall of Fame® in Rochester, New York. This year’s nominees to the National Toy Hall of Fame® are: Atari® Game System, Baby Doll, Big Wheel®, Game of Life®, Hot Wheels®, Kite, My Little Pony®, Pogo Stick, Raggedy Andy™, Skateboard, Spirograph®, and Yahtzee®. Only two of the twelve nominees will get to take their honored places in the hall.
The final 2007 toy inductees, to be chosen by a National Selection Committee, will be announced at a press conference on Thursday, November 8, and a major weekend public celebration will follow at Strong on Friday, November 9; Saturday, November 10; and Sunday, November 11. Festivities will include entertainment by Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy, demonstrations by Mr. Etch A Sketch® (a.k.a. Tim George), and a display of the latest toys to make it into the hall.
The National Toy Hall of Fame® at Strong National Museum of Play® 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).
To date, the following 36 toys have made it into the National Toy Hall of Fame: Alphabet Blocks, Barbie®, Bicycle, Candy Land®, Cardboard Box, Checkers, Crayola® Crayons, Duncan® Yo-Yo, Easy-Bake® Oven, Erector® Set, Etch A Sketch®, Frisbee®, G.I. Joe®, Hula Hoop®,
Jack- in-the-Box, Jacks, Jigsaw Puzzle, Jump Rope, LEGO®, Lincoln Logs®, Lionel® Trains, Marbles, Monopoly®, Mr. Potato Head®, Play-Doh®, Radio Flyer® Wagon, Raggedy Ann™, Rocking Horse, Roller Skates, Scrabble®, Silly Putty®, Slinky®, Teddy Bear, Tinkertoy®, Tonka® Trucks, and View-Master®.
Playthings, the leading trade magazine covering the children’s toy industry in the United States, is the national media partner of the National Toy Hall of Fame at Strong – National Museum of Play®. Founded in 1903, Playthings offers the most current and in-depth information and news on toy manufacturers, retailers, licensing, products, and people. Playthings is published by Reed Business Information, the largest business-to-business publisher in the United States. Strong National Museum of Play® is the nation’s only museum devoted solely to the study of play as it illuminates American popular culture. Known for its family-friendly, interactive exhibits and world-renowned collections (including the world’s largest collection of toys and dolls), the museum is the second largest children’s museum in the nation and the largest year-round family attraction in Upstate New York.
For more information on Strong and the National Toy Hall of Fame® visit www.museumofplay.org.
Strong National Museum of Play®, located in downtown Rochester, New York, is the only museum in the world devoted to the study of play as it illuminates American popular culture.
Admission Fees
General Admission (does not include Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden®):
Adults $9.00; Seniors $8.00; Children (2–17) $7.00; Children younger than two free; Strong members free.
Admission to Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden:
General Admission fee plus $3.00 per person for members and nonmembers; Children younger than two free.
Due to limited capacity, entry to Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden™ is by timed tickets only. Advance purchase is recommended. Please call 585-263-2700 to purchase timed tickets.