Spring 2016 • Volume 6 • Issue 3 News and Events for Members, Donors, and Friends P L AY Time

Rockets, Robots, and Ray Guns 4

The Force at Play 4

Superheroes Weekend 5

Soccer Smash Weekend 6

Pinball Playfields Muppets, Now Open! Fraggles, Page 2 and Beyond 8 3 New Exhibit www.museumofplay.org Behind the Scenes: the Scenes: Behind of Making The Playfields Pinball Jeremy Saucier, assistant director of director assistant Saucier, Jeremy for Center International Strong’s The Games, offers of Electronic the History process the creative some insight into exhibit. behind the Pinball Playfields create did The Strong Why exhibit? a permanent pinball game of bagatelle, French the 18th century to its roots While pinball traces highlights its exhibit This invention. an American play modern pinball is cultural part of American as a fascinating and as a plaything importance action of electromechanical a unique combination Pinball offers history. the around players captivated sights and sounds that’s and electronic decades. for world in showcase choose the pinball machines to did you How Pinball Playfields? the games from play the opportunity to have to our guests wanted We the sophisticated to 1940s and 1950s of flippers in the late introduction pinball the how highlight to also wanted We machines of today. electronic a from the ball rolls—evolved where surface machine’s playfield—the a game filled with holes to with metal pins and scoring board wooden experience to guests wanted We toys. and interactive bumpers, ramps, produced, ever and popular games widely celebrated some of the most (1992). Family Addams Black Knight (1980), and The (1972), including Fireball pinball collection? Strong’s is The extensive How games includes dozens 250 arcade than of more collection Strong’s The history. of the game’s than 80 years more of pinball machines from pinball pioneer from design drawings of original playfield donation A recent Games, that Inc. has added crucial documentation Electronics Williams Several these games. designers created how understand helps us better including designer collection, that from of original drawings reproductions Pinball Adventure Indiana Jones: The for sketches playfield Mark Ritchie’s in Pinball Playfields. on display are (1993), and why? significant game on display historically the most What’s game Humpty 1947 Gottlieb & Co.’s of flippers on D. introduction The the Before pinball forever. people played Dumpty changed the way pinball as a game of attacked addition of flippers, some civic reformers with skilled players gambling. Flippers provided for adapted often chance the playfield. across the ball as it moved and control aim, fire, the ability to part of the exhibit? favorite your What’s able are guests Here Pinball cluster. Stern The games the exciting some of the most play to including X-Men offer, has to company (2012) Edition Limited Magneto: of only 250 produced), (one (2015), Kiss (2015), Wrestlemania fantasy-filled and the brand-new Edition Limited Game of Thrones: also features cluster The (2015). of game designer a display “whitewood” Gomez’s George his for playfield prototype pinball masterpiece 2003 of the Rings—one of only Lord during created prototypes four development. the game’s World’s Fair Jigsaw Jigsaw Fair World’s a features (1933) mechanical jigsaw puzzle on its playfield. The Addams Family Family Addams The one of the most (1992), popular pinball machines produced. ever

Pull the plunger and try to rack up rack Pull try to the plunger and of other on a host high scores Strong’s The machines from playable as the iconic such collections, the (1972); Fireball electromechanical pinball machine commercial largest the carnival-like (1979); Hercules FunHouse (1990); the head-to-head the Universal (1992); Football USA Bash Monster monsters-themed some of Stern play (1998). Also, games recent exciting most Pinball’s Kiss n’ roll-fueled including the rock Game and the fantasy-filled (2015) (2015), Edition Limited of Thrones: Pinball cluster. part of the Stern pinball an oversized to next Stand a unique photo machine flipper for pinball how Discover opportunity. viewing by machines work pinball machine electromechanical such as flippers, pop components Scroll targets. bumpers, and drop moments in of key a timeline through City’s York as New pinball history—such and ended in 1976 ban on pinball that pinball of the first the introduction microprocessors by machines powered screen. a touch in 1975—on by is produced Pinball Playfields Center International Strong’s The Games. of Electronic the History for The exhibit The exhibit is sponsored in part by require machines in Pinball Playfields Many from collected Money tokens. purchased helps maintain these the sale of tokens original artifacts. Humpty Dumpty (1947) playfield. Humpty Dumpty (1947) Other unique objects include of original playfield reproductions museum’s the from design drawings Design Pinball Playfield Williams and an original prototype Collection of the Rings the Lord for playfield created pinball machine, (2003) game designer George revered by Pinball. Also view of Stern Gomez game that a bagatelle-style and play pinball-makers. inspired This original permanent exhibit original permanent exhibit This pinball and of history the explores of the pinball the evolution traces the ball where surface playfield—the of lights a maze through ricochets up points— rack to and obstacles games of the 1930s countertop from electronic the sophisticated to today. popular remain that versions pioneering pinball machines View comprehensive Strong’s The from Whiffle (1931), including collections pinball machines; one of the earliest which (1933), Jigsaw Fair World’s puzzle jigsaw a mechanical features and Humpty Dumpty on its playfield; game with flippers. the first (1947), Play your way through more than 80 years of pinball history! of pinball than 80 years more through way your Play Spring 2016

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2 Upcomi n g P rograms & E ve n ts Rockets, Robots, and Ray Guns Superheroes Weekend Opens June 11 Saturday, April 9, 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Zoom into the imaginative universes of popular science-fiction series at the new, original Rockets, Robots, and Ray Guns exhibit opening on Saturday, Sunday, April 10, 12:30–5 p.m. June 11. Explore how science-fiction books, toys, movies, and video games Swing into The Strong for a hero-filled weekend, and be Learn how you can be a hero for Super Why have captured people’s imaginations and shaped the way they play. Travel to sure to bring your camera! Meet two of Marvel Comic’s our environment by joining forces Courtesy xhibit distant futures and faraway galaxies to discover key themes such as space official superheroes—Spider-Man swings in on Saturday with Larry the H2O Hero, and try WXXI. heroes, robots, time travel, and extraterrestrial life. from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2:30 to 5 p.m. and Iron Man out the enviroscape, an interactive “Science fiction—from the classic books of yesteryear to today’s rockets in on Sunday from 12:30 to 5 p.m. New this year: environmental education model. Talk with members Hollywood blockbuster movies—has shaped how generations of people timed superhero meet and greets! Meet and pose for a of the Be a Healthy Hero Street Team and discover across cultures play and imagine their tomorrows,” says Scott Eberle, picture with a superhero at a designated time by picking the secrets to living the 5-2-1-0 lifestyle with nutrition vice president for play studies at The Strong. “Rockets, Robots, up a free ticket in the Caterpillar Atrium the day of the tips and physical activities that will get the entire and Ray Guns explores how we have played with the event while supplies last.* family moving. deep questions science fiction raises about All day long, visit with PBS Kids’ Super Why and Drop into the American Comic our future.” celebrate with finalists from The Strong’s comic book Book Heroes: The Battle Try your hand at interactive elements, including costume contest. of Good vs. Evil exhibit New E science-fiction arcade games, such as Tron, and go hands-on at Budding cartoonists can receive drawing and writing tips Johnny Mnemonic, and Terminator 2; magnetic Super Powers School from professional artists, check out original art, and view puzzles; an alien art gallery; a time machine; where everyone an engaging display of comic books spanning nearly and a giant version of Space Invaders. View becomes a superhero. 50 years created by Alfred University. unique artifacts from the Strong’s collections, such as toy ray guns and rockets, and popular Take on your own super persona when you create a hero Sponsored by science fiction characters, from Buck Rogers headband and craft a mini hero puppet to take home. to Transformers.

The exhibit remains on view through September 5, 2016.

The Force at Play Opens June 11

Learn how the Star Wars movie inspire to the way that it shapes throughout literature, folk tales, franchise revolutionized play and children’s role-playing.” and popular culture—the unwilling playthings in the exclusive The hero who needs to prove himself, Force at Play—a companion exhibit In 2012, The Strong acquired more the kindly mentor, the deadpan to Rockets, Robots, and Ray Guns than 2,000 Stars Wars action figures cowboy with a heart of gold, and opening June 11. View dozens from long-time Industrial Light and others. And thanks to the powerful of artifacts from The Strong’s Magic model-maker Fon Davis, legacy of Star Wars, kids and adults collections, including original adding significantly to the museum's alike continue to recreate their Kenner Star Wars action figures and collection. Star Wars action figures favorite elements of the story spaceships, LEGO sets, an original joined the museum’s National Toy through play.” video from the making of the first Hall of Fame in 2013. Star Wars video games, and video The exhibit remains open through Star Wars continues to endure, game design documents. Also, play September 5, 2016. Bensch says, “…because the movies arcade video games, such as Star pull from familiar themes found Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Star Wars: Battle Pod.

“Star Wars transformed the world of entertainment and continues to resonate with people across cultures and generations,” says Chris Bensch, The Strong’s vice president for collections. “It’s had a seismic impact on the way people play—from the toys and video games that it helped

(C) 2016 Marvel. * Timed tickets for superhero meet 4 P L AY Time • Spring 2016 and greets must be picked up one www.museumofplay.org 5 hour before designated meeting time. 6

Y AY L P Upcoming Programs & Events Time Sponsored by activities aboutplantsand seeds. through storiesandengaging Explore thewondersofnature June 6:GardenScience diets andexercise. games thatpromotehealthy Get movingwithactivitiesand May 9:Let’sMove to transportation. and imaginativeplayrelated of movementactivities,stories, Fly, ride,orzoominforaday April 11:ThingsThatGo 10 a.m.to2p.m. through play.Eventsrunfrom teach littleonesimportantskills series createdtohelpparents with yourchildatthismonthly Join inplayfullearningactivities Ages 2to 6 Monday Kicksfor Sponsored by outdoor activities. about sunshine,nature,and Get readyforsummerwithstories Summertime Fun Mondays, June13,20&27 including dogs,cats,andbirds. Enjoy booksaboutpetsofallkinds Pet Tales Mondays, May2,16&23 celebrate thebeginningofspring. Delight invibrantstoriesthat New Beginnings Mondays, April4,18&25 a freechildren’sbook. Collect fivepunchesandreceive punched onceduringeachvisit. Have yourStorytimeClubpassport Mondays at10:30and11:30a.m. Hear children’sstoriesonselect Celebrate thejoyofreading. Storytime Club •

Spring 2016

and TriCoast International courtesy NahualaProducciones Seleccion Canina movie art different opportunitiesto play soccer intheRochester area, andmore. play area. Share knowledge andwinprizes with sports trivia,learnabout Show offfancy footwork, dynamicdribbling,andperfect passing inthesoccer screenings are limited. bring Seleccion Canina(K9World Cup) to life. Seating for thefull-length movie speak to guests aboutthefilm-makingandtranslation processes that helped Award-winning director Ricardo Arnaizwillintroduce eachscreening and the filmat 12:30p.m. andtheEnglish-languageversion at 3p.m. eachday. road to glorydependsonteamwork. Enjoy theSpanish-languageversion of World Cup) anddiscover how asoccer team madeupofcanineslearnsthat premiere ofthefull-length,family-friendly animated filmSeleccion (K9 Canina Bounce into The Strong for aweekend fullofsoccer fun! SeetheRochester Saturday, April23,11a.m.–4p.m.andSunday,24,1–4 Featuring theRochesterPremiereofK9WorldCupMovie Soccer SmashWeekend andtheKingofFairiesPuck reverse themagic. of thelocalsinto adonkey andaccidently bewitching theQueen, wandering through thewoods. After transforming one casts aspellonthewrong people a mischievous mistakenly elfnamedPuck A MidsummerNight’s Dream. Inthistale, Ballet performs selected scenes from Shakespeare’s death, The New York State In honorofthe400thanniversary of Saturday, April16,Noon&2p.m. Dream BalletPreview A from The MuppetShow. Learn more aboutthecollection onpage8. as BigBird andGrover from SesameStreet andKermit theFrog andMiss Piggy decorations. The artifacts showcase many ofHenson’s popularcharacters such puzzles, play sets,musicboxes, collecting cards, hats, calendars,andhousehold card games,videostuffed animals,puppets,jigsaw coloring books,activityboard games, donated by theHensonfamily, suchas Featured are dozens oflicensed products on April8nearThe Strong Express Train. The JimHensonCollection display opening in theMuppets,Fraggles, andBeyond: legendary puppeteer andHollywood icon, Explore thecreative legacy ofJimHenson, April 8–July5 The JimHensonCollection Muppets, Fraggles, and Beyond: Midsummer Night’s

To learnmore aboutlemonadeday, visithttps://rochester.lemonadeday.org. pay “bankloans”andotherexpenses assumed to buildandoperate thestand. Health guidelines.Proceeds from Lemonade Day willbeusedby students to stand operators pay strict attention to Monroe County DepartmentofPublic entrepreneurs. Aimingto provide asuperiorandsafely served beverage, permitting). Here guests canpurchase lemonadeandchat withthebudding The stand willbelocated nearthemuseumentrance (outside weather Center for UrbanEntrepreneurship (CUE). Lemonade Day program organized by Rochester Institute ofTechnology’s run by agroup ofMonroe County youth whoparticipated intheRochester own business—a lemonadestand. The Strong willahost lemonadestand youth to theentrepreneurial skillsnecessary to start, own, andoperate their Lemonade Day isacommunity-wide educational program that introduces Saturday, June4,11a.m.–4p.m. Rochester Lemonade Day members oftheensemble. rock, pop, andjazz.This special performance features pieces arranged by Ensemble. Enjoy arange ofsongsfrom drumlineto adaptations ofclassical, At noonand2p.m., beentertained by theCollege at Brockport Xylophone Mother Goose, andmany others. favorite fairy talecharacters suchastheThree LittlePigs,HumptyDumpty, Robin Hood’s NottinghamandSherwood Forest, thishumorous talefeatures Community College Forum Player Theatre Ensembleat 1and3p.m. Setin Enjoy performances ofLittleRedRobinHoodpresented by Genesee Saturday, May7 and Xylophone Performances Little RedRobinHood transform into acreature from afaraway planet. Come in costume orvisit thealiendress-up area to characters from otherwell-known science-fiction universes. museum infull Star Wars regalia andsay “nuqneh” (hiinKlingon)to popular pose for pictures withmembersofthe501st Legion asthey stroll through the of theRockets, Robots, andRay Gunsexhibit. Meet and Transport yourself to anothergalaxy duringtheopening Sunday, June12,1–4p.m. Saturday, June11,11a.m.–4 p.m. Opening Celebration Rockets, Robots, andRay Guns things we throw away. characters intheScrapKins bookserieswho buildtheirworld outofthe learn how to turnordinary householditems into art.MeetItcher, oneofsix recycling workshop andbooksigning.Rethink theway you see“junk”and Join BrianYanish, creator oftherecycled artsprogram ScrapKins, for a Friday, April 22,11a.m.–2p.m. Earth Day withtheScrapKins

Weekend Supercalifragilistic the MaryPoppins movie. Bert, Jane, andMichael enjoyed in with paidadmission—just like Mary, Enjoy afanciful carousel ride—free weather permitting). drawings (outdoor activity, carpetbag. Create sidewalk chalk See what isstowed inMaryPoppins’ Mary Poppins hat. decorate your own unique a minikite to take home, and practically perfect nanny, make Meet andtake photos withthe Fly inandcelebrate MaryPoppins! Sunday, May15,1–4p.m. Saturday, May14,11a.m.–4p.m.

www.museumofplay.org

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Disney CEO Celebrated in National Toy Hall Toy Halls of Fame Exhibit of Fame Induction A plaque honoring Robert A. Iger, chairman and CEO of Reaches the Walt Disney Company, for his significant contributions to the toy industry and his impact on childhood imagination is Audiences now on display in the museum’s Toy Halls of Fame exhibit. Iger is the latest inductee into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame. His Worldwide PEZ Donor plaque is positioned alongside such toy industry luminaries as Jim Henson, George Lucas, Milton Bradley, and Walt Disney. When the National Toy Hall of Fame welcomed its newest Visits The Strong The Toy Industry Association inducted Iger in February, citing his dedication to inductees—puppet, Twister, and creating new experiences that enrich childhood memories. Iger joined Disney Super Soaker—in November, the Robbie Brunner of Schenectedy, news made national headlines New York—who recently donated in 1996 as chairman of the ABC network group and has since grown the Disney portfolio to include such influential entertainment properties as Pixar, Marvel, and sparked conversations all hundreds of PEZ-inspired artifacts to over the globe. the museum—visited the Perfectly PEZ and Luscasfilm, all of which inspire children’s play and imagination of childhood display with The Strong’s Chris Bensch film audiences. The toy inductees were reported (right) during the display's run earlier on more than 1,000 times this year. during local television and radio Henson Family Donates Collection newscasts around the country and were featured prominently Mu se u m News The family of legendary puppeteer and television icon Jim Henson in nationally televised news and recently donated more than 500 licensed products and 60 books to The entertainment programs including Strong that chronicle Henson’s more than 30-year career. The donation— Fox and Friends on Fox News, coordinated by Bonnie Erickson, executive director of The Jim Henson Live with Kelly and Michael on Legacy, and Karen Falk, archives director for The Jim Henson Company— ABC, Fox Business News, and includes playthings and other items related to Henson’s numerous MSNBC. More than 1,700 online television and movie productions such as Sesame Street, Dinosaurs, and print articles—published by major market media outlets Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, and The Muppet Show. such as Boston Globe, Chicago “Jim Henson not only changed television puppetry forever, but he helped Tribune, Denver Post, Huffington to create a cast of life-like characters that continue to touch the lives of Post, New York Post, New York children and adults,” says Patricia Hogan, curator at The Strong. Times, San Francisco Chronicle, TIME magazine, USAToday, Wall Cheryl Henson, president of The Jim Henson Foundation, remembers, Street Journal, and Washington “My father took great joy in seeing his creations adapted to become toys. Post—generated nearly one billion He was delighted to think of the Muppet characters becoming a part of a Century-Old Toys additional impressions. child's life in the form of a favorite stuffed animal, game, or bedtime story. Displayed in Honor International coverage of the My parents had four young children at home when they started working induction included MSN Hong on Sesame Street. They knew the power of play firsthand. Toys that inspire of Wegmans Kong, Yahoo News Hong creative play were important to them as parents as well as artists.” Kong, Yahoo News Japan, and Anniversary Yahoo News Taiwain. Also, as Henson transformed the art of television puppetry by using the television in previous years, social media screen to frame the action while performers watched themselves on a Pictured from left, James Eddy, Michele Murphy, and Meghan Eddy Ludwig from local toy store One hundred years ago, grocery My Favorite Toy Box show off Roc-opoly with The Strong's Nic Ricketts and Chris Bensch. generated international buzz, small monitor. This allowed them to have better eye focus and required store giant Wegmans first opened in amounting to nearly 40 million more precise, coordinated mouth movements. Henson started his television Rochester, New York. Over the last Twitter impressions. Posts from career in 1954 while still in high school, but moved into the mainstream century, the Wegmans brand has grown The Strong Featured in Roc-opoly Game ABC News, Denver Post, NBC in 1969 after joining the cast of Sesame Street, where he brought Grover, and changed. To mark the centennial, a News, TIME magazine, and the Oscar the Grouch, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, and other popular characters Washington Post led the way. grouping of century-old toys—including Local toy store My Favorite Toy Box has donated to the museum two of the to life. His illustrious career in television and movies earned him Emmy two grocery storefronts—is now on Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He also impacted the first copies of their new Roc-opoly board game—a unique, hometown-themed display near the museum's Wegmans world of play and playthings significantly and his contributions earned him Monopoly-style game that features landmarks and organizations such as Super Kids Market exhibit. a place in the Toy Industry Association’s Toy Industry Hall of Fame—housed The Strong museum, Seneca Park Zoo, Geva Theatre, Rochester Public Library, and more than a dozen others. at The Strong. “To me, what’s striking about the miniature grocery stores is that they Roc-opoly will join The Strong’s world-renown collection of more than 145 “In many ways, work and play were synonymous to Jim Henson,” says depict an era before self-service Bonnie Erickson. “Jim had an enormous appetite for both. All of us who Monopoly games, including a 1913 John Heap Monopoly set, which was a in food stores. Each of them has key piece of evidence in a Monopoly copyright dispute; and two hand-made worked with Jim were not only allowed but encouraged to use play as a a counter and most of the merchandise way to find new ways to solve complicated problems. The productions Monopoly sets by Charles Darrow (1933), who is credited with marketing and is on shelves behind the counter where popularizing the game. and many of the products they inspired came out of that collaborative you’d need to ask the grocer to get work-play environment that Jim created.” the item for you,” says Chris Bensch, “Monopoly is one of the most popular board games in history and was inducted The Jim Henson Collection includes coloring books, activity books, board vice president for collections. “It’s very into The Strong’s National Toy Hall of Fame in 1998,” says Chris Bensch, vice games, card games, video games, stuffed animals, puppets, jigsaw puzzles, different from a modern supermarket president for collections. “The museum has the world’s most comprehensive and play sets, as well as other licensed products—from alarm clocks to like Wegmans where customers can collection of Monopoly games, including several different city-themed varieties. household decorations. The collection adds significantly to The Strong’s choose from a vast array of grocery We’re excited to add this original Rochester version to our collection, as well.” existing holdings of products licensed by Henson and his successor items, settle in for a meal in a café, and even enjoy live music some evenings.” My Favorite Toy Box printed 1,500 first-run copies of the game for sale retail companies. Many of the items will be on view in the Muppets, Fraggles, shops around the Rochester area, including the museum’s Everything for and Beyond: The Jim Henson Collection display The display remains on view Play shop. opening April 8. See page 6 to learn more. 8 P L AY Time • Spring 2016 through April. www.museumofplay.org 9 11 Museum News

www.museumofplay.org Debugging Game History. Out Out and About Seldes, Suzanne In January and chief president vice executive represented officer, marketing Waters, a Wine, at the museum in mission sales and Wonders develop further City to York New the for tourism international Region. Finger Lakes Rochester of Collections President Vice Chris Bensch and Chief Curator the at speaker the keynote was Classroom Digital Media in the by presented Day, Conference Educational the Genesee Valley Genesee at Partnership in in Batavia College Community consisted audience The December. and school librarians, of teachers, In February media specialists. Strong The Bensch represented Awards of the Year Toy the 2016 at the American Museum ofat City. York in New History Natural Patricia He also joined Curator City in York Hogan in New the 25th anniversary at February in Toys. dinner of Women Debbie McCoy, In February for president vice assistant at parents to spoke education, School in Gates Disney Walt in of play about the importance Disney Walt home. school and at also enjoyed and students parents the and learning at a night of play In April McCoy museum in March. for workshop an all day will present College State of Empire students of block play about the importance in and children both infants for primary grades. director Dyson, In April Jon-Paul for Center of the International Games Electronic of the History in University Temple will speak at Philadelphia about video game article Dyson’s In May preservation. will publish in the MIT Press “Toys” book and Also in April Julia Novakovic and archivist Dane Flansburgh, for respectfully archivist project Brian Sutton-Smith Strong's The will attend and Archives, Library Regional Mid-Atlantic the 2016 (MARAC) Conference Archives in Pittsburgh. The Strong to Host Reggio Emilia Conference Emilia Conference Reggio Host to Strong The for presenters featured are Gandini Lella and Ben Mardell educators Renowned conference a two-day Emilia Approach,” with the Reggio Encounters “Playful early childhood 20 and 21. Designed for on May Strong The at taking place learning, the conference in play-based and others interested professionals teaching to approach innovative Emilia—a playful, of Reggio the world explores and inquiry. exploration collaborative emphasizes and learning that States Gandini, Lella United by talks and workshops features conference The Early Childhood to Approach Emilia of the Reggio the Dissemination Liaison for Zero, Project of Play, of the Pedagogy Director Project Ben Mardell, Education; Reggio Strong’s The from and staff School of Education; Graduate Harvard spaces, exhibit Strong’s The to School. Access Woodbury Emilia-inspired out the program. round School classrooms, and Woodbury library, research of the leading early childhood two to access provides conference “This in Rochester, them here host to honored and we’re in the country, educators The at education for president vice assistant Debbie McCoy, says York,” New a one-of-a-kind institution Strong, The set at is uniquely conference “The Strong. the personal which houses in its collection play, learning through to dedicated Emilia-inspired the Reggio Gandini of Lella and is home to papers and research School.” Woodbury visit museumofplay.org/reggio-conference. register, or to learn more To Margaret Woodbury Strong Papers Papers Strong Woodbury Margaret Heritage York New to Added at volunteers and interns, Staff, Brian Sutton-Smith Strong’s The have Play of and Archives Library identify, to steadily been working images andscan, and upload that materials other historical museum of the life chronicle Woodbury Margaret founder materials—nearly These Strong. a digital files—comprise 70 available online collection, new Heritage, York New through Mrs.which documents the including life, Strong’s the Margaret of establishment Museum of Strong Woodbury museum. Strong The to precursor Fascination, Strong Woodbury the Margaret from is derived online collection The as family materials—such of archival a collection 1897–1969, Papers, clippings, guest news correspondence, papers, diaries, scrapbooks, slides, 16mm films, financial papers, bookplates, books, photographs, of Margaret the original estate materials—from reference and collections a vast amassed Mrs. Strong life, her entire collector An avid Strong. she with which and other playthings, of dolls, dollhouses, toys, assemblage charter a provisional a museum. In 1968, she obtained establish hoped to Woodbury the “Margaret for of Regents Board State York the New from and her collections in 1969, her death After Museum of Fascination.” Strong museum. Strong The is now what the basis for formed financial resources students, portal for a research Heritage—nyheritage.org—is York New in learning more and others interested genealogists, historians, educators, site The State. York of New and institutions places, about the people, and cultural scholarly, of historical, a wide range to access free provides digital distinct than 170 of more repository a growing through materials societies, and other cultural historical libraries, by contributed collections Strong Mrs. to devoted online collection The the state. across institutions the museum and through nyheritage.org at directly can be accessed the into be incorporated It will eventually website—museumofplay.org. of America. Digital Public Library

three decades. three Tetris developed Pajitnov Alexey Union in 1984. Soviet in the former has Company the Tetris Now with several Strong The provided the game’s demonstrate that items development. early commercial personal include Pajitnov’s These the British of the game from copies and its American Mirrorsoft company the first partner Spectrum HoloByte, publish commercially to companies Eastern the game outside communist of In addition, a certificate Europe. Magazine MSX from achievement whose Henk Rogers, recognizes of Tetris a version produced company making for Japanese audiences, for in Japan game of the year the best in 1988. supplement other artifacts These Video in the World on display items and cases artifact Game Hall of Fame unparalleled the museum’s enhance video to related materials of collection game history. Museum Displays Museum Displays Materials Tetris New launched its Strong The In 2015, Game Hall of Fame Video World individual electronic recognize to console, games of all types—arcade, and mobile— handheld, computer, popularity over achieved have that in the video timeframe a sustained or in popular culture. game industry last Among the six games inducted players , a game that Tetris was year for enjoyed have worldwide

Encourages Playful Learning Learning Playful Encourages Game Creation Workshop Game Creation Strong’s in The child-adult pairs participated Twenty 2 January Workshop, Game Creation first-ever conceptualized, 6. Participants February through games original computer designed, and created game designer, of programmer, under the direction Assistant of Technology Institute and Rochester all-day final session—an The Ian Schreiber. Professor off participants’ Game the museum—showed Jam at of these skills via presentation acquired newly games. just-developed Spring 2016

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Jeff Schon, former CEO former Jeff Schon, software of pioneering Living Books, company an donated recently of collection extensive document that materials history the company’s innovative in creating books and electronic such software, educational as the CD-ROM version book of the best-selling Mercer and Me by Grandma ABC. Seuss’s Dr. and Mayer Former Living Books CEO CEO Books Living Former Collection Donates between from records includes games and company assemblage The of the computer crucial years into insight offering and 2000, 1992 industry. software books and of interactive in the creation an innovator “Living Books was and entertaining of educational became a leader in the development of The director C. Dyson, Jon-Paul says children,” young for software Games. “These of Electronic the History for Center International Strong’s and activities, but they history the company’s not only illuminate records documenting the material amount of source a tremendous also offer software, of educational the growth popularity of CD-ROM software, and the rise of the Internet.” records its company Brøderbund (which donated game developer Video program The launched Living Books in 1992. in 2014) Strong The to secure House to book publisher Random demand from quickly generated by books. Under joint ownership Seuss of the Dr. versions electronic leader Living Books became the industry Brøderbund and Random House, Eggs with popular titles such as Green books in the mid-1990s in electronic Bears in the Dark. Berenstain and Ham and The and software games includes 92 (1992–2000) Living Books Collection The for results group documents and focus development titles; product titles; a wide Eggs and Ham and Stellaluna such as the Green products such as operations, document the company’s that of materials range clippings; and materials and press plans, sales reports, memos, strategic and news including industry industry, software the broader to related analysis. merchandising and reports, software retail analysis, extensive one of the most represents Living Books Collection “The collections,” game archival electronic Strong’s in The collections corporate collections other major company complement materials The Dyson. says and Strategic Her Interactive, Online, Brøderbund, Sierra such as those from Simulations, Inc.

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Y AY L P Museum News Time The Strong’s assemblage of School inSydney, Australia, examined Duggins, lecturer at theNational Art During aone-week fellowship, Molly of play andplaythings. and resources related to the history museum’s wealth ofarchival materials scholars are invited to explore the fellowship programs, research Every year, through The Strong’s Shell andDollCollections Inspires Research Scholars role ofplay inurbanclassrooms. the strengths andweakness ofblocks,bricks,andplanks,aswell asthe Additional articlesinVol. 8,No. 2oftheJournalfocus ontopics suchas ultimate constraint—gravity.” purest forms ofexperience andcommunication andbreak free ofthe be seenasachance to strip away extraneous elements,getbackto the Ackermann andLiapiconclude that through play, “...livingaloftshould social, cognitive, andcreative. versus spontaneous,to four areas ofaperson’s development—personal, useful play. They alignwidelyrecognized typesofplay, suchasorganized originated inprevious works—can beusedby space travelers to engagein ways that theMicrogravity Playscape Adaptation approach—which they planners shouldinsist uponmore play. The authorsprovide insightinto the and atoddler learningto navigate theworld, andsuggest that mission similarities between anastronaut exploring thenew frontier ofspace seriousness ofspace exploration. Butthey pointoutthedevelopmental playfulness withchildishness, whichseemsto runcounter to thehigh Ackermann andLiapinote that adultsassociate play withchildhoodand in thepast.” the importance ofplay, spontaneousororganized, hasbeenunder-rated extreme environment where every mistake canbedetrimental,ifnotfatal, anxiety, depression, homesickness, irritability, andothers.They write, “Inan often ignore behavioral issues andpsycho-physiological stressers suchas programs emphasize survival rather thanondelight,though,andthat they atrophy, andotherde-conditioning. Ackermann andLiapiargue that these exercise regimes, theauthorswrite, inorder to combat boneloss, muscle Most approaches to thehealthandwellness ofastronauts focus on their psycho-physiological states. environment inplayful ways canboost astronaut morale andimprove Crete inGreece, argue that takingadvantage ofspace’s weightless and MarianthiLiapi,research associate at theTechnical University of developmental psychology at theUniversity ofAix-Marseille inFrance, of Technology’s SchoolofArchitecture andhonorary professor of visiting scientist at Massachusetts Institute mental well-being. Authors Edith Ackermann, these threats to anastronaut’s physical and Play, anemphasisonplay inspace cancounter article inThe Strong’s AmericanJournalof going onlongmissions. According to arecent and otherpsychological hazards for astronauts confinement, boredom, sensorydeprivation, adventures, butitalsooffers isolation, Space offers theopportunityfor new, exciting Launches Play into Orbit Latest JournalIssue •

Spring 2016

in AmericanStudies at Purdue Aria Halliday, doctorial candidate collection ofshell-made crafts. from Margaret Woodbury Strong’s art, many ofwhich originated shell dolls,andhandmade shell collection ofsailors’ valentines, trade. Dugginsexamined a its influence onEuropean tourist her bookonVictorian shellwork and 19th-century shellartifacts to inform

Journal’s Forty under40award. recipient ofRochester Business Exploited Children. Sheisapast the National Center ofMissing and member oftheNew York Branch of Pre-Trial Services, andasacommittee Advocacy Center, aboard memberof board memberoftheBivona Child Quartley hasserved asafounding Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA). AccountantPublic (CPA), anda St. JohnFisherCollege, aCertified Productions. Sheisagraduate of Corporation andMercury Print positions at HomeLeasing she heldchieffinancialofficer Consulting Division.Priorto that, principal ofthefirm’s Outsource a career at Insero &Co. CPAs asa Before The Strong, Quartley enjoyed organizations. both for-profit andnot-for-profit and industry sectors, including serving institutions ofvarying sizes nearly three decadesofexperience for finance andfacilities. Shebrings Quartley asitsnew vice president The Strong welcomes Trudy Starr for Finance Named New Vice President continue inthat role whileatrustee. prior to joiningtheboard andwill museum’s investment subcommittee Cicero hasserved asavolunteer onthe to The Strong’s board oftrustees. Genesee Valley Trust, hasbeenelected investment officer & clientconsultant at Mike Cicero, vice president and New Trustee Museum Welcomes sell brand merchandise. dolls, to popularize theirimage and childhood toys, particularlyfeminized understand how iconic celebrities use Playthings magazinesto better numerous trade catalogs and of Barbiedollsandpoured through The Strong’s extensive collection culture. Halliday investigated dolls andprincesses inWestern February onthefashioning ofethnic University, conducted research in

during FitKidsDay. museum educators deliver awiderange offunandinspiring programming the BeaHealthy Hero Street Team, andtheCityofRochester helped Staff from Wegmans Food Markets, Bristol Mountain,Rochester CityBallet, transportation fundingto bringmany ofthesefamilies to themuseum. The MaxandMarian Farash CharitableFoundation generously provided of event sponsorsIntense Milk,Wagner Soccer, andRoc KidsSmile. The visitsfor these families were underwritten inpartby thegenerosity caregivers from Rochester CitySchoolsandothercommunity organizations. to themuseum.Amongthosewere 416 students and Fit KidsDay attracted more than4,000 guests discover thelong-term benefitsofstaying fit. physical activity, learnabouthealthy eating, and with funopportunitiesto experience thejoy of The event provided children andtheirfamilies On January30, The Strong hosted FitKidsDay. for Local Students Museum Hosts FitKidsDay to Johnfor showing that people ofallagescanbephilanthropists. come andrecall cherishedmemoriesofSammy. The Strong isgrateful The Strong ishonored to beaspecialplace for thePiersonfamily to said Kerry Pierson,theirmother. to exhibit andalways enjoying lunchandanice cream treat before we left,” “The three ofusspentmany afternoons at The Strong, moving from exhibit there andIthinkotherkidswillhave funthere too,” explained John. “I choseThe Strong becauseSammy andIhadalotofmemorable times Wars actionfigures. enjoyed playing withtogether suchastrains, electronic games,andStar curators highlighted collections items similarto toys that JohnandSammy a behind-the-scenes tour ofthemuseum.Throughout thetour, The Strong’s his younger brother Charlie, parents Jake andKerry, andgrandparents—to The Strong treated JohnandothermembersofthePiersonfamily—including On December 30, theday that would have beenSammy’s seventh birthday, summer of2012. brother Sammy whopassed away asaresult ofatragic accident inthe and hisfamily madeafinancialgiftto The Strong inmemoryofhisyounger In 2015, 10-year-old JohnPiersonwas The Strong’s youngest donor. John John Pierson:AYoung Philanthropist (far left)andAssociate Curator ShannonSymonds (far right). along withThe Strong’s Director ofAnnualGivingandDonorRelations Crissi Harrison Sammy. Johnispictured here withhisfriend(front right)andfamily (backrow, center), John Pierson(front left)visitsThe Strong to make adonation inhonorofhisbrother,

August 17! Happiest HouronWednesday, Mark your calendar for thenext and foster families eachyear. financially disadvantaged children provide admission for thousandsof museum access programs that overall educational mission and the fundraiser supportThe Strong’s Hour inFebruary. Proceeds from and play at thesecond Happiest for afun-filledevening ofgames More than1,200adultscameout Happiest Hour Adults Play at the M/E Engineering,PC Mary Therese Friel,LLC KeyBank Intense Milk Excellus BlueCross BlueShield DelMonte Hotel Group Delta AirLines commitment: and supporters for renewing their Thank you to thesecorporate partners Stern Pinball Roc KidsSmile Konar Management Doodle Bugs!Children’s Center Greece partners andsupporters: Thank you to thesenew corporate [email protected]. at 585-410-6353 or contact MichelleParnett-Dwyer how your company canparticipate, benefits for theiremployees. To learn museum whilereceiving valuable provided meaningfulsupportfor the corporate partnersandsponsors contribution to The Strong as Businesses that make afinancial Corporate Partners Thank You www.museumofplay.org

t n ceme n dva A 13 C ale n dar of E ve n ts April 2016 May 2016 June 2016

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1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Help Captain Wow! 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Spring 2016 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Chris Pallace and Kevin Serwacki, illustrators and authors of Joey & Johnny: 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 The Ninjas, need your help! Draconus the Devourer has come from Planet 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 29 30 31 Programs underwritten in part by official airline of The Strong. 26 27 28 29 30 Hydros and it looks like he's going to eat Lemming Falls. Can you guide age Pallace and Serwacki's Captain Wow through the maze so he can save the day? A Check out other superheroes, monsters, robots, ghosts, and ninjas from April Pallace and Serwacki at bluetoucanstudios.com and harpercollinschildren.com. Book Nook Now Open Saturday & Sunday, April 9 & 10 Saturday & Sunday, April 23 & 24 Pinball Playfields Superheroes Weekend Soccer Smash Weekend Librarians’ picks from the Play your way through more than 80 years of Meet Marvel Comic’s Spider-Man on Saturday Featuring the Rochester premiere of K9 World Cup Grada Hopeman Gelser Library pinball history in this new, permanent exhibit. and Iron Man on Sunday, as well as PBS Kids' Super Why all weekend long. Enjoy the full-length, family-friendly Kids P Kids animated film Seleccion Canina (K9 World April 1–31 Cup) in Spanish at 12:30 p.m. and English Super Hero ABC Best of the Fest Monday, April 11 at 3 p.m., and hear from the film’s by Bob McLeod View award-winning short films from the Monday Kicks for Ages 2 to 6: award-winning director Ricardo Arnaiz. Rochester International Children's Film (for the younger readers) Things That Go Seating is limited. Festival archives. Fly, ride, or zoom in for a day of movement From avoiding alien attacks to play related to transportation. Saturday & Sunday, April 23 & 24 the zigzagging through the zero Mondays, April 4, 18, and 25 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Exhibit Closing: zone, little readers are the hero of Storytime Club: New Beginnings Hot Wheels: Race to Win the alphabet in this action-packed Delight in vibrant stories that celebrate the Saturday, April 16 Hurry in for your last chance to discover all picture book by renowned comic beginning of spring. A Midsummer Night’s Dream that goes in to the sport of racing. book illustrator, Bob McLeod. 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Ballet Preview Hilarious heroes such as Goo Girl and Delight in a preview of Shakespeare’s Saturday & Sunday, April 23 & 24 Odor Officer teach letter recognition Friday, April 8–Tuesday, July 5 beloved story by the New York State Ballet. Exhibit Closing: Playing with Power with amusing alliteration (shelved in Muppets, Fraggles, and Beyond: Noon and 2 p.m. Explore the history of Nintendo through American Comic Book Heroes). The Jim Henson Collection original NES design documents, play original games like Duck Hunt, test out Super Mario Explore the creative legacy of Jim Henson, Friday, April 22 legendary puppeteer and Hollywood icon. Bros. using a custom-made giant controller, Fearless: the Story Earth Day with the ScrapKins and more. Meet Brian Yanish, creator of ScrapKins and of Racing Legend one of his characters, Itcher. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Louise Smith by Barb Rosenstock (for younger readers) May Little Louise Smith began her racing career at age seven when she Mondays, May 2, 16, and 23 Thursday, May 5 Monday, May 9 crashed her father's car into a chicken Storytime Club: Pet Tales World Video Hall of Fame Induction Monday Kicks for Ages 2 to 6: coop. Smith went on to race and Enjoy books about pets of all kinds including Discover which video games will be added Let’s Move crash her way to become the first dogs, cats, and birds. to The Strong's World Video Game Hall Get moving with activities and games that of Fame. woman elected to the International 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. promote healthy diets and exercise. Motorsports Hall of Fame. Her story 10:30 a.m. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. comes to life through graceful words and gorgeous illustrations in this Saturday, May 7 Saturday & Sunday, May 14 & 15 picture book (shelved in Hot Wheels: Little Red Robin Hood Supercalifragilistic Weekend Race to Win). and Xylophone Performances Meet and take photos with Mary Poppins, Enjoy performances of Little Red Robin Hood, see what’s in her carpetbag, enjoy crafts as well as and xylophone adaptations of inspired by the beloved nanny, and more. The Martian classical, rock, pop, and jazz music. Chronicles by Ray Bradbury June (for older readers) Bradbury's collection of short stories Saturday, June 4 Saturday & Sunday, June 11 & 12 Mondays, June 13, 20, 27 about the settlement of Mars by Lemonade Day Exhibit Opening: Rockets, Robots, Storytime Club: Summertime Fun humankind remains a classic of Chat with young entrepreneurs about their and Ray Guns Get ready for summer with stories about science fiction literature. Originally lemonade stand. Beverage fees apply. Explore the sci-fi universe, from robots to sunshine, nature, and outdoor activities. published in science fiction time travel to extraterrestrial life. 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. magazines, the stories will resonate Monday, June 6 with readers of science fiction Monday Kicks for Ages 2 to 6: Saturday, June 11 and other genres alike (shelved Garden Science Exhibit Opening: The Force at Play in Rockets, Robots, and Ray Guns Explore the nature through stories Discover how the Star Wars movie franchise beginning June 5). and activities. revolutionized play and playthings. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

14 P L AY Time • Spring 2016 Unless otherwise noted, events typically end by 4 p.m. and are free to members. www.museumofplay.org 15 Nonprofit Organization US Postage PAID One Manhattan Square Rochester, NY Rochester, NY 14607 Permit No. 4144

The Strong® is a highly interactive, collections-based museum devoted to the history and exploration of play. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational organization, The Strong is funded in part by contributions Museum Admission and grants from individuals, corporations, foundations, and state and federal entities. It is home to the General Admission (does not include admission to International Center for the History of Electronic Games, the National Toy Hall of Fame, the World Video Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden®): age 2 and older Game Hall of Fame, the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play, the Woodbury School, and the $14, under age 2 free, museum members free. American Journal of Play and houses the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of historical Admission to Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden: $3 materials related to play. per person for members, general admission fee plus $4 for nonmembers; children under age 2 free. Entry Board of Trustees to Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden is by reservation Bernard Birnbaum Don H. Kollmorgen Bruce Raiffe John E. Van de Wetering, PhD only. Reservations may be made at the museum’s David J. Burns Laura Saxby Lynch William D. Rice Mee F. Wing admissions desk. Mike Cicero Kevin McDonald, EdD, JD Donald J. Riley Admission rates and Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden Roberta DuBeshter Linda McGinley, EdD Fred W. Smith, PhD G. Rollie Adams, PhD fees subject to change. Steve Dubnik William W. Napier Matthew Tipple President and CEO Zeke Duda Aaron C. Newman Jeff Valentine Parking Cecilia Griffin Golden, PhD Joy Ryen Plotnik, Esq Limited free parking is available for guests during regular museum hours on a first-come, first-served basis. On high visitation days, the museum lot may reach The Strong is supported with public funds from the Institute of capacity early in the day. If space is not available on Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the New York State Council site at the time of your visit, you will find additional on the Arts (NYSCA), a State agency. The Strong is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), and is an institutional parking (fees apply) at neighboring municipal garages. member of AAM, the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH), the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM), and the Museum Hours Museum Association of New York (MANY). Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Strong is a United Way donor designation agency (ID#2556) Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

DINING The museum offers a variety of dining options including Pizza Hut Express, Taco Bell Express, Subway, Louie’s Sweet Shoppe, and Bill Gray’s Don't Miss Hot Wheels: Race to Win Restaurant. Visit museumofplay.org for hours Hurry into The Strong and explore the and information. Hot Wheels: Race to Win exhibit before it On weekends, holidays, and during school breaks, closes on April 24. Discover all that goes into dining tables and chairs are reserved for restaurant the sport of racing—including the design, customers only. development, and testing of cutting-edge car technology—in a quest for record-breaking Information speed and precision. 585-263-2700 • museumofplay.org

Become part of the race team and burn up the track in four PLAY Time immersive environments. Choose the right car body and tires Editor: Kelly Murphy Lucyszyn for maximum speed in the Blue Zone; examine the moving Contributing Writers and Photographers: parts of a real engine in the Yellow Zone; satisfy a racer’s Kim Della Porta, Lisa Feinstein, Crissi Harrison, need for speed in the Green Zone; and round the corner Beth Lathrop, Bethany Mosher, Kelly Murphy Lucyszyn, and head into the Red Zone to learn about the most Shane Rhinewald, Daniel Seldes, Suzanne Seldes, important aspect of racing—safety. Olivia Viterna Art Director: Niki Kruger, Zimmet Group

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