National Archives of Game Show History FAQs

What is the National Archives of Game Show History?

The National Archives of Game Show History at The Strong National Museum of Play houses the records and materials of the many professional producers, performers, directors, designers, writers, and staff members who have been involved in all facets of game show development, production, marketing, and distribution.

When did the archives start?

The Strong National Museum of Play established the National Archives of Game Show History in 2021.

Who founded the archives?

Veteran game show executives Howard Blumenthal (Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?) and Bob Boden (Funny You Should Ask) founded the National Archives of Game Show History with The Strong National Museum of Play. Game show expert Adam Nedeff has been involved since its founding and provides research for the archives.

What types of materials does the archive collection?

The archives collection includes a variety of items related to game show history, including scripts, set designs, props, technical plans, marketing materials, creative plans, production plans, and more. The museum holds materials representing many iconic game shows, such as Family Feud, Jeopardy, The Price is Right, and Wheel of Fortune.

Where can I see these materials?

While many of the artifacts are currently held in collections storage by The Strong National Museum of Play or in its Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play, fans can find information about many artifacts through the museum’s online collections portal and view oral histories with game show industry veterans on its website. A physical exhibit—tentatively called Game Shows: Beyond the Buzzer—is planned for the first floor of the museum.

When will Game Shows: Beyond the Buzzer open?

Beyond the Buzzer: Game Shows in America is likely to open in spring 2028. The exhibit is currently in the planning and development stages.

Why is collecting oral histories important?

The National Archives of Game Show History is the only initiative in the U.S. that is seeking out and preserving the stories of key individuals from the game show industry. There’s nothing that compares with hearing firsthand from the people who have shaped this important and influential piece of American popular culture.

How can I donate a game show artifact?

  1. Make a list of the potential donations and send it to jsaucier@museumofplay.org. (Call 585-410-6373 if you have questions.)
  2. The Strong museum’s curators, librarians, and archivists will consider your offer.
  3. The appropriate staff member will contact you regarding your offer and, if it’s right for the archives, work with you to determine the best way for it to physically reach the museum.
  4. When the item(s) arrives at the museum, the donation is processed (steps that may include cataloging, conservation attention, and photography).
  5. The donation is presented to the museum’s Acquisitions Team for final approval.
  6. The collections manager sends the donor a Deed of Gift via email or U.S. Mail as preferred.
  7. The donor completes and signs the Deed of Gift, keeps a copy, and returns a copy to The Strong.

What other ways can I stay connected to the National Archives of Game Show History?

The National Archives of Game Show History publishes a monthly blog with updates and a look back at game show history.