October 18, 2006
For Immediate Release
Contact: Susan Trien, 585-410-6359, strien@museumofplay.org

National Toy Hall of Fame® Induction Celebration
November 11 & 12

ROCHESTER, N.Y.—Which beloved American toy classics will make it into the hallowed halls of “toydom” this year at the National Toy Hall of Fame® at Strong National Museum of Play®?

Find out at the National Toy Hall of Fame® Induction Weekend Celebration at Strong National Museum of Play® on Saturday, November 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 12 from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. (The 2006 toy inductees will be officially announced to the media at a press conference held in the museum’s newly expanded hall Thursday, November 9, 2006 at 10:30 a.m.)

The toy-filled weekend celebration invites families to see displays of the latest toy inductees, say hello to life-size strolling hall-of-fame toys, and enjoy toy crafts and games, and see various toy artists at work. All activities are included with regular museum admission fees.

Among the National Toy Hall of Fame® Induction Weekend events:
• Cardboard artist Lou Iannone will turn a cardboard box (a 2005 honoree) into a work of art. Kids can also build a fort or a castle or anything they can imagine in a roomful of empty boxes.
• Meet a life-size strolling Raggedy Ann™, Etch A Sketch®, and more.
• Build with LEGO® bricks, race a Slinky®, play checkers, and enjoy more fun with hall of fame toys when you visit the newly expanded and enhanced National Toy Hall of Fame®.
• Sing Happy Birthday to Play-Doh® (another previous hall inductee).
• Play-Doh sculptors will create whimsical creatures, small toys, and more.
• Help bring a smile to the faces of other kids in the community when you donate a new, unopened toy to the Pirate Toy Fund.

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). The twelve toy finalists being considered for 2006 induction are: Atari® Game System, Big Wheel, Easy-Bake® Oven, Lite-Brite, Fisher-Price® Little People, Hot Wheels®, Lionel® Trains, Operation Skill Game, PEZ® Candy Dispenser, Rubber Duck, Skateboard, and Twister®.

Strong National Museum of Play® is the only museum in the world devoted 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 recently underwent a major $37 million expansion making it 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.

Hours:
Monday–Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.;
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sunday, 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.
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.