Seniors

Museum Mondays for Seniors

Through Museum Mondays for Seniors, individuals age 55 and older can purchase discounted tickets for $17. Tickets include admission to the museum and Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden. On select Mondays tickets also include unique, educational presentations in the museum’s Paychex Theater. See schedule below.

Presentation Schedule

11 a.m., Paychex Theater

Monday, October 27: Monster Toys
It’s spooky just how much some people love Frankenstein and Dracula. This presentation will highlight recently acquired toys inspired by Shock Theater, weird science, and some monsters you may have never heard of before!

Michelle Parnett-Dwyer, Curator

Monday, November 24: Children’s Literature in the Collections
Children’s books are central to the museum and the story of toys in the 20th century. Learn about the importance of characters such as Berenstain Bears and Raggedy Ann (and Andy) and how each is represented in largest play collection in the world!

David Sleasman, Senior Director of Library and Archives

Monday, December 15: The History of the Christmas Card
Unlike many holiday traditions whose origin stories are lost to history, historians agree that the holiday card has a definitive birth, in 1843 England. Join for a lively presentation to learn more about the original Christmas card and its evolution.

Natalie Rudd, Associate Curator

2026

Monday, January 26: The Heart of the Matter: Victorian Valentine Traditions
Where would we be without Valentines? In the 19th century, Valentine’s Day could bring elaborate cards drenched in sentiment or “Vinegar Valentines” filled with insults. While printing and the post office were changing the physical shape and look of Valentines, romantic ideals were developing new forms as well. Find out what was going on behind the hearts and flowers in this illustrated lecture.

Chris Bensch, Vice President for Collections and Chief Curator

Monday, February 23: What’s In An Escape Room?
This presentation explores escape rooms, games in which players are placed in an enclosed space and must solve puzzles to escape. It gives a brief history of escape rooms, showing how they exist in both digital and physical forms, while discussing challenges The Strong is facing in its efforts to preserve escape room history.

Mirek Stolee, Curator

Monday, March 23: The Wonderful World of Conservation
Learn how the field of conservation marries science, history, and art to help guide short- and long-term care for our cultural heritage through case studies of treatment and research projects performed by The Strong’s conservator. Find out what a conservator is and how they can help you care for your personal or institutional collections.

Gabriel Dunn, Conservator

Monday, April 27: Gardening for Pollinators
Learn how to turn your yard, garden, or patio into a safe haven for native pollinators! You’ll get simple tips and tricks that can attract and help butterflies and other important insects, as well as recommendations for hardy flowering plants.

Anna Simpson, Manager of Live Collections

Monday, May 18: Stories in Every Piece: The History of Puzzles and the People Behind Them
Discover the fascinating history of jigsaw puzzles! Enjoy stories of master puzzle-cutters from Parker Brothers, Par Puzzles, and beyond, along with the makers and manufacturers who shaped this timeless pastime. Learn how The Strong is preserving their legacy for future generations.

Stephanie Ball, Archivist

Monday, June 22: Margaret Woodbury Strong:  Rochesterian, Collector, Visionary
Margaret Woodbury Strong was the founding benefactor of The Strong National Museum of Play. She had deep local roots, an unbelievable childhood, and a charmed life. She was also a passionate collector (and a bit of an eccentric). This talk will explore all these elements of her life and how she came to create Rochester’s most original (and fun) museum.

David Sleasman, Senior Director of Libraries and Archives

Monday, July 27: Life in Plastic: Barbie’s Innovation and Icon Status
When Barbie debuted in 1959, she was greeted by apprehensive and critical parents. But that did not stop Mattel from shifting the landscape of play and design. Over the following decades, Barbie went on to earn icon status. This presentation traces Barbie’s innovation through the museum’s collection of more than 3,000 Barbie-related artifacts.

Michelle Parnett-Dwyer, Curator

Monday, August 24: All About Monarchs
Monarch butterflies are one of the most widely known butterfly species. Let’s discuss what sets these nature icons apart from other local species, how they manage to migrate 3,000 miles, and how to support monarchs locally.

Erin Regan, Live Collections Specialist

Monday, September 28: Playful Competition: A Perspective Through Photographs
This presentation explores competition as play, outside of sports, examining niche groups through photographs. Discover the playfulness and competition of state and county fair competitions, beauty contests, and much more.

Evyn Morgan, Museum Photographer/Collections Specialist, Photography

Monday, October 26: From Pagan Robes to Plastic Masks: Halloween’s Costume Chronicles
All Hallow’s Eve, Samhain, Hallowe’en, Dia De Los Muertos… no matter what you call it or how you celebrate, Halloween is one of the year’s most memorable and playful holidays! This presentation traces the history of Halloween costumes, why we wear them, and how they’ve changed throughout history. Dressing up is encouraged!

Natalie Rudd, Associate Curator

Monday, November 23: Board Games and Technology
This presentation traces the history of board games that incorporate technology, from 20th-century magnets and projectors to modern-day smartphones. Although some may consider these technological inclusions to be gimmicks, they can enhance gameplay and infuse games with a sense of wonder.

Mirek Stolee, Curator

Monday, December 14: Basic Butterfly Biology
Learn how butterflies are related to other animals, what the dust on a butterfly wing is, why they are so colorful, what the butterfly life cycle is, and much more!

Anna Simpson, Live Collections Manager