Press Releases

Celebrate the 2021 National Toy Hall of Fame inductees and past inductees at The Strong on Saturday, November 6, and Sunday, November 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
On Saturday only, enjoy performances of “Playful Music” by local music ensemble fivebyfive. Enjoy a general performance at noon and a special, sensory friendly performance at 1 p.m. in the Paychex Theater. All of the original music was inspired by the toys in the National Toy Hall of Fame.
All weekend long, […]

Continue Reading about National Toy Hall of Fame Celebration Weekend, November 6 & 7 Published on:
October 8, 2021

ROCHESTER, NY—Are you ready for the challenge? The Strong is climbing into the realm of adventure play and building an all-new high ropes course—Skyline Climb—slated to open November 26, 2021. Suspended above the museum’s Elaine Wilson Carousel and Bill Gray’s at the Skyliner Diner, adults and kids alike can traverse beams and balance obstacles, maneuver ropes and wobbly bridges, and leap off a zipline platform.
“Skyline Climb allows the museum to explore the importance of physical play,” says Mike Streb, director […]

Continue Reading about Skyline Climb Ropes Course and Zipline Opens November 26 Published on:
October 7, 2021

Continue Reading about Family Halloween Programs at The Strong Published on:
September 30, 2021

The following 12 toys are finalists for 2021 induction into The Strong’s National Toy Hall of Fame. Only three will take their honored places in the hall this year when they are announced by The Strong on Thursday, November 4, at 10:30 a.m.
American Girl Dolls
Created in 1986 by educator and newscaster Pleasant Rowland, the 18-inch American Girl dolls (and their accompanying books) explore America’s social and cultural history. Each doll comes with a unique narrative that fits her era, such as Molly McIntire, […]

Continue Reading about Meet the 2021 Toy Hall Finalists Published on:
September 29, 2021

ROCHESTER, New York—Which toys will make it into the National Toy Hall of Fame this November? Can Risk conquer the competition or will Battleship fight its way to victory? Can billiards hit the corner pocket? Will The Settlers of Catan outlast the rest?
The Strong’s National Toy Hall of Fame in Rochester, New York, today announced the 12 finalists for induction into the hall: American Girl Dolls, Battleship, billiards, Cabbage Patch Kids, Fisher-Price
 Corn Popper, Mahjong, Masters of the Universe, piñata, Risk, sand, The Settlers […]

Continue Reading about National Toy Hall of Fame Finalists Revealed Published on:
September 29, 2021

For more information contact: Shane Rhinewald, 585-410-6365, srhinewald@museumofplay.org
Fly, swing, or swoop into The Strong to meet your favorite superheroes from The Superhero Alliance of Western New York from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, October 9 and 10! Then become a superhero, add your name to the register of superheroes, and receive your provisional superhero license. Hone your superhero skills at the Hero Training Camp and create your own superhero cape. Try out an enviroscape and learn how you […]

Continue Reading about Superheroes Weekend at The Strong, October 9 & 10 Published on:
September 29, 2021

Enjoy a quiet and play-filled morning during Sensory-Friendly Sunday at The Strong museum on Sunday, October 17, from 8 to 10 a.m. Children with special sensory, developmental, or physical needs can enjoy the museum in a comfortable and accepting environment.
Explore the museum with fewer guests, light and sound reduction, extra visual safety signage, and designated quiet areas that include sensory friendly toys. Also enjoy carousel rides, train rides, and a free visit to the relaxing Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden.
Sensory-Friendly Sunday is limited to 250 guests. […]

Continue Reading about Sensory Friendly Sunday Returns to The Strong October 17 Published on:
September 29, 2021

Join The Strong from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on September 11 & 12 for a fun-filled weekend all about canine friends! 
Meet Tango, Elmo’s new puppy, during a special showing of Sesame Street’s new special Furry Friends Forever at 1 p.m. in the Paychex Theater. Visit with local therapy dogs, and, Sunday only, learn about the AKC Fit Dog program with the Genesee Valley Kennel Club, Inc. and take a dog for a Fit Dog Walk. Join canine fun experts from […]

Continue Reading about Puppy Play at The Strong, September 11 & 12 Published on:
September 7, 2021

Wednesday, August 18, 2021For Immediate Release
Shane Rhinewald, 585-410-6365, srhinewald@museumofplay.org
Celebrate the joy of reading! Hear classic children’s stories read aloud and go on literary adventures at Carol D. Simmons Storytime Club at The Strong museum on select Mondays at 10:30 a.m. Print your Storytime Club passport online and bring it to the museum to be punched during each visit. Collect five punches and receive a free children’s book. Also, learn how to sign up for a library card, check out books from the museum’s exhibits, and […]

Continue Reading about Storytime Club Fall Schedule Announced Published on:
August 18, 2021

Monday, July 26, 2021
For Immediate Release
Shane Rhinewald, 585-410-6365, srhinewald@museumofplay.org
Fly in to see the original the Take Flight exhibit at The Strong before it departs on September 6, 2021. Learn about the history of flight-based toys with examples from The Strong’s collection, explore the diverse group of women and men that took flying to new heights, and test your flying skills at a variety of stations for the littlest aviators and the biggest kids:

View large-scale model airplanes soaring overheard courtesy of the Glenn H. […]

Continue Reading about Original Take Flight Exhibit Closes September 6 Published on:
July 26, 2021