Summer 2016 • Volume 6 • Issue 4 News and Events for Members, Donors, and Friends P L AY Time
Blast off for adventure in... The Force at Play 3
Sci-Fi Summer 5
Playing with Politics Display 6
Sonic’s 25th Anniversary 6 Now Open! Page 2 New E New xhibit A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far advertising for Star Wars toys. Check View videos of children incorporating xhibit away, the world was introduced to out an intricate diorama of Star Wars Star Wars into their adventures and the revolutionary Star Wars movie characters and vehicles depicting a see a range of branded costumes, franchise. Learn about the impact battle between the Rebel Alliance lightsabers, and other toys used to of the legendary films on play and and evil Empire. See how Star Wars bring the movies to life through play. playthings at The Force at Play—a inspired other playthings, including Beware the large-scale X-Wing and companion exhibit to Rockets, a variety of LEGO toys, and play TIE Fighter models overhead! Robots, and Ray Guns. with Mr. Potato Head’s evil counterpart—Darth Tater! The Force at Play is on view through Explore the evolution of the September 5, 2016. beloved franchise and view dozens Take on the Dark Side and immerse New E of artifacts from The Strong’s yourself in the fantastic video game Playable machines in the exhibit collections, including the first 12 realms that Star Wars inspired require purchased tokens. Money Kenner Star Wars action figures, through the decades. Play arcade collected from the sale of tokens an original movie poster, and early classics, such as Star Wars and helps maintain these original artifacts. The Empire Strikes Back, and modern Produced by The Strong’s Open through September 5! games like Star Wars Battlefront. International Center for the Jump in the cockpit and try to take The imaginative universes of science-fiction classics beckon at Rockets, Robots, and Ray Guns—an History of Electronic Games. down the original Death Star or original exhibit that explores the ways that science-fiction books, toys, movies, and video games have save the ice planet Hoth in the new, captured people’s imaginations and shaped the way they play. Travel to distant futures and faraway interactive Star Wars Battle Pod. galaxies to explore key sci-fi themes in zones that couple artifacts from The Strong’s collections with dynamic, hands-on activities:
Aliens and Monsters New Frontiers a variety of materials and play Space Heroes robot-centric arcade games such Experience the realms of Travel at the speed of light and learn Explore the men and women as Robotron: 2084, Berzerk, and other-worldly creatures and play a about humankind’s fascination with of space—from real astronauts to Xybots. Check out a first edition variety of games based on monsters exploring and colonizing space. fictional heroes—through dozens of of Isaac Asimov’s book I, Robot, and alien life forms, such as Galaxian, View colony play sets, and seek out related toys and games, including which introduced the Three Laws Galaga, and Primal Rage. Zap the new galaxies on rare arcade games costumes and action figures of space Rockets, Robots, and Ray Guns is on of Robotics. attackers from outer-space and try such as Two-Player Computer Space opera legend Buck Rogers. Solve a view through September 5, 2016. See to save Earth in a giant version of and a cockpit version of Sega’s Rockets sliding puzzle to reveal a hero. Battle page 5 for details on The Strong’s Sci-Fi the classic arcade game Space classic vector game Star Trek. Learn about trajectory and velocity enemy starships on the 3-D space Summer activities. Invaders. Create your own two- by creating and launching an shooter arcade game StarBlade Ray Guns Playable machines in the exhibit require dimensional alien or monster on air-powered paper rocket. Solve a and fight back alien creatures as Ray guns, blasters, phasers, heat purchased tokens. Money collected from light tablets. Listen to an original giant, 3-D puzzle depicting a rocket Ellen Ripley in Konami’s Aliens rays, and other futuristic energy the sale of tokens helps maintain these radio broadcast of the iconic book launch, and view rocket toys from arcade game. weapons have been a key part original artifacts. The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells. the Cold War era. Test your space of space lore for decades. See a Time Travel piloting skills on classic arcade Future Perfect sampling of toy versions and check Step into a time machine and go Produced by The Strong’s games such as Asteroids and Lunar Utopia or dystopia? Explore what out the oldest toy ray gun ever back in time or propel into the future. International Center for the Lander. Also explore famous sci-fi the future might hold and learn created! Zap the bad guys in arcade View clips from well-known time History of Electronic Games spaceships such as the earliest about humankind’s fascination with game shooters such as Alien travel movies, such as Back to the in partnership with model of the Star Trek Enterprise apocalyptic events by playing the Extermination and Terminator II. Future and answer the question, “If Rochester Institute
ever made. N122 classic Cold War arcade game you could go back in time to change of Technology. Missile Command and viewing Robots one thing, what would you change?” artifacts such as the Nuclear War Marvel at a wide-range of toy robots, game, the Apple II game Wasteland, including Big Loo (a talking, a Katniss Everdeen figure from the mechanical robot developed by popular series The Hunger Games, Louis Marx and Company for and a copy of George Orwell’s Christmas season 1963), and learn ground-breaking novel 1984. about the influence of Japanese toys on the development of real robots. Make your own robot from
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Y AY L P New Exhibit Time entertainment andshowcases achievements withininteractive exhibit recognizes outstanding Sciences (AIAS) exhibit. The Academy ofInteractive Artsand award-winning creations at the video gameindustry andtheir Learn aboutluminariesinthe Academy of Interactive Artsand Sciences ExhibitOpens •
Summer 2016 Technical Impactawards. Achievement, Pioneer, and D.I.C.E. HallofFame, Lifetime honored by theAIAS through its about theexemplary individuals through asecond kioskto learn Year, andothers.Take ajourney Art Direction, Family ofthe Game Year, Outstanding Achievement in categories, ofthe includingGame award recipients across multiple timeline to learnaboutD.I.C.E. Scroll through atouch-screen and itsSpecialAwards. Communicate, Entertain) Awards D.I.C.E. (Design,Innovate, recipients ofboththeAcademy’s Games inpartnership withthe AcademyGames ofInteractive Arts andSciences. The exhibit isproduced by The Strong’s International Center for theHistory ofElectronic Dinosaurs: Land of Fire andIce™ was created by MinnesotaChildren’s Museum. dinosaur footprints behindat thesandplay table. they would beifthey were standing inthemuseumgalleries,andleave Dinosaur series.Compare your heightto that ofdinosaurs,seehow big Danny’s Dinosaur, beloved character from theSyd HoffDanny andthe Opening weekend only, Saturday andSunday, September 24 and25,meet put together anover-sized dinopuzzlewiththehelpoffamily andfriends. At theFieldResearch Station, grab sometools to digupdinosaurfossils and herbivore); slideinto anicy cave; andlearnaboutthedinosaur food chain. to meetcold-weather dinosaurs,suchastheEdmontosaurus (afour-legged look at realistic dinosaurs.Then trek northto thelandsofpresent-day Alaska through asmoldering volcano, climbinto asquishy bog,andtake acloser Enter theLandofFire—the Montanaof70-million years ago—andcrawl these mysterious creatures leftbehind. landscapes to learnaboutdinosaurhabitats andinvestigate thecluesthat including aTyrannosaurus Rex andTriceratops. Journey thoughthree rugged the landandgetupclosewithtouchable dinosaursofallshapesandsizes— Travel backto theendofCretaceous periodwhendinosaursroamed Saturday, September 24, 2016–January 8,2017 and Journey. of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, HalfLife II including box artfrom The Legend from past oftheYear Game winners, (creator ofM.U.L.E.). Seeartifacts recipient DaniBunten Berry and 2007 AIAS HallofFame (creator oftheMagnavox Odyssey), Award recipient RalphH.Baer of Asteroids), 2015 AIAS Pioneer Award recipient Ed Logg (creator those from 2012 AIAS Pioneer archival collections, including documents from The Strong’s award statuette. View rare design winner, D.I.C.E.Awards Game of the Year collections, includingthe2015 artifacts from The Strong’s Display casesfeature videogame Fallout 4,alongsideaD.I.C.E. own googly-eyed headband. shop andaccessorize withyour very creepy alieninthecosmic costume mischievous Martian.Dress upasa alien andgive ahighfive to a Pose for aphoto withafriendly Saturday &Sunday, July23&24 Alien Encounters take home. Create afoam lightsaberto basic footwork, andbladework. demonstrations offencing etiquette, Fencing Club. Joinininteractive presented by theRochester Stop by a“Jedi” training camp Saturday &Sunday, July16&17 WarriorsGalactic their interactive events andactivities. Meet UpGroup andlearnabout Rochester Sci-Fi/Role Playing Geek only, meetmembersofthe figures ingalaxy slime. Saturday Visit thespace labandbattle action a fan group ofthefamous film. Meet theRochester Ghostbusters, Saturday &Sunday, July9&10 Rochester Ghostbusters Ray Gunsexhibit. original Rockets, Robots, and activities inspired by thenew, special guests andenjoy themed All summerlong,bedelighted by Embark onasci-fiadventure! Sci-Fi Summer Join Usfor a
lightsaber to take home. and bladework. Create afoam of fencing etiquette, footwork, join ininteractive demonstrations “Jedi” skillsat thetraining campand for afun-filledvisit.Improve your The Rochester Fencing Clubreturns Saturday &Sunday, August 13&14 WarriorsGalactic sci-fi scene. theater andactoutaspectacular your creations to thegalaxy box Who popsiclestick puppets.Take Star Trek, Star Wars, andDoctor character. Create your own setof the famous Star Wars make versions of builders who group of Club, a Builder’s R2-D2 out the Check Legion. Rebel and the Legion 501st from the characters with Take pictures August 6&7 Saturday &Sunday Rebels andImperials using tinfoil andpaperplates. from Doctor Who. Create aUFO film. SnapaselfiewiththeTARDIS about hisexperience working onthe Troopers. Seehiscostume andlearn in the1997 alienbattle filmStarship Meet David Ramsay, whoappeared Saturday &Sunday, July30&31 Starships andUFOs Saturday &Sunday, August 27 &28 Space Cadets imaginary device to take home. and metalliccrayons to designan craft station andusecircuit boards Pollot’s creature paintings.Visit the pipe cleanercharacters andDave local artists, suchasGilMerritt’s See out-of-this-world creations by Saturday &Sunday, August 20&21 Cosmic Creations Star Wars Thumb Doodles. courtesy ofKlutz’s and inkpads using fingers character a Star Wars and craft Munro Stan holder Record World Guinness creations by sci-fi toothpick long, view Journey to outer space at And allsummer astronaut training camp. Strap onapretend through themuseum. jetpack andblast that space walks through avariety of traveling astronaut physical challenges, room. Greet a including leapingover toys intheultraviolet a variety oflight-up glowing cosmos and space rocks. View a
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Nominate a Favorite a Favorite Nominate Induction into for Toy of Fame Fall Toy to like you’d toy a favorite have Do you National Strong’s see enshrined in The in are Nominations Hall of Fame? Toy the across lovers and toy full swing recommend to encouraged are nation this induction for toys their favorite be made may Nominations November. or toyhalloffame.org online at for mail. Submissions by by be received must 2016 date, To July 31, 2016. earned a have toys 59 in the National place Visit Hall of Fame. Toy to toyhalloffame.org about learn more honorees. past with electricity, Ives continued to to continued Ives with electricity, for trains quality clockwork make electrical for wired homes not yet an early set provides This power. run sets made to of train example precisely sized tracks on standard and the rolling the locomotive for a than across it pulled rather stock with inserts and Complete floor. bare of train, each piece for compartments box, as its original packaging as well set showcases train this Hiawatha its to appeared the toy how exactly owners. first
their imaginations, self-expression, problem-solving skills, and motor says skills,” Chris Bensch, vice Strong’s The for president “It collections. their also fosters understanding of cause and and math effect such concepts as length, measurement, and balance.” symmetry, also highlights collection This and the changes in technology in which children modern world than and it more and develop, live holdings in Strong’s triples The and building sets. toys construction is collections Another addition to toy O-Gauge Hiawatha a 1905 Ives Co. Manufacturing set. Ives train American toy the premier was from of mechanical toys maker early 1900s. the the 1800s to who makers other toy Unlike sets their train began powering
The Strong invites its members, guests, and its members, guests, invites Strong The cyclists cheer on professional neighbors to the and the globe at the nation across from in taking place Criterium Twilight Rochester 13. Racing on August Rochester downtown awards 6:25 p.m.; approximately begins at 10:15 p.m. at presented are bike American-style a unique, are Criteriums on and staged streets designed on city-center race, excitement lap-after-lap provides racing loops. The course spectator-friendly skills and explosive bike-handling extraordinary highlighting the athletes’ this of is one of only 17 major races Criterium Twilight Rochester speed. The States. the United in type hosted in 2000. Hall of Fame Toy National Strong’s The into inducted was bicycle The equipment, and part basic transportation, part adult athletic kids’ toy, Part of A variety the end of the 19th century. gained popularity at first bicycles gallery and several Fame Halls of Toy in the museum’s on view are bicycles Atrium Caterpillar in the museum’s will be on display additional examples timeline 16. A special online August Tuesday, 2 through August Tuesday, from will collection bicycle comprehensive Strong’s of The examples featuring in August. Institute publish on Google Culture at more Learn all spectators. for is free Criterium Twilight Rochester The rochestercrit.com. New Artifacts Build on Build Artifacts New Collections Toy Museum’s a acquired recently Strong The than 1,500 of more collection sets and building toys construction of Illinois. Wetzel Wetzel George from studying years than 35 spent more which the collection, and assembling manufactured the earliest spans from and in Europe building sets made the from those to States, the United today. through century mid-19th variations contains collection The brands toy construction of iconic and Tinkertoys, Logs, such as Lincoln of Froebel’s as sets as well Ikes, Crazy bricks, metal-based blocks, ceramic including sets, sets, and Erector and 10 (the largest No. the iconic and sets produced) set ever heaviest In made of rubber and early plastics. Wetzel from items toys, addition to printed displays, include store pieces, and marketing advertising 100 built models and approximately ships, the Sears Tower, of castles, the Wheel, and Ferris a 1893-style Tower. Eiffel philosophers, centuries, “For and parents educators, teachers, the importance acknowledged have and building play. of block play helps kids develop kind of play This Rolls Race Bike Criterium Rochester August in Town through
themed paper dolls, table tennis table tennis themed paper dolls, game. toss paddles, and a ring jigsaw puzzles, as well as presidential- as well puzzles, jigsaw board games, playing cards, and cards, games, playing board President doll, political-party-inspired doll, political-party-inspired President the collection include a Barbie for include a Barbie for the collection and puzzle sets, other pieces in pieces and puzzle sets, other
White House-inspired paper houses House-inspired White side of campaigning. In addition to In addition to side of campaigning. The artifacts showcase the satirical showcase artifacts The July 8 near The Strong Express Train. Train. Express Strong The July 8 near Playing with Politics display opening opening display with Politics Playing Cast your ballot at The Strong’s new new Strong’s The ballot at your Cast Friday, July 8–Monday, November 14 November 8–Monday, July Friday, Playing with Politics with Playing
Sponsored by Sponsored “Although presidential elections are serious matters and have shaped the and have serious matters elections are presidential “Although politics and candidates view to possible still it’s history, of American course with Politics in Playing on display objects The perspective. a playful from the years had fun over kids and adults have of the ways some illustrate process,” and the political presidents to relate and games that with toys and chief curator. collections for president Chris Bensch, vice says Tuesday, July 12–Friday, July 29 July 12–Friday, Tuesday, 10 award-winning to host museum plays The Hill Corn the 4th Annual houses from fairy The Houses Tour. Fairy Arts Festival categories recognizes whimsical display Most Materials, Use of Natural including Best People’s Whimsical, and the Most Unique, one-of-a-kind These Award. Choice bark, stones, made from are habitats fairy Visit materials. twigs, and other natural create to learn how to fairyhouses.com year. next enter house to fairy own your Club Storytime Hear children’s of reading. the joy Celebrate 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. at Mondays on select stories punched Club passport Storytime your Have punches five during each visit. Collect once book. children’s a free and receive 12, 19 & 26 September Mondays, Beginnings New tales about trying new heartwarming Enjoy things and making friends. Fairy House Award House Award Fairy Winner Display Display Winner
Summer 2016
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& Sunday Saturday & 18 17 September of the anniversary Celebrate Sonic the game the iconic Hedgehog—one of the newest World Strong’s The to inductees Meet Game Hall of Fame. Video with the pictures and pose for watch speedy title character, of the animated screenings Boom, play show television of Sonic the Hedgehog versions in the eGameRevolution own your and create exhibit, Sonic headgear. Sonic the Hedgehog’s 25th Anniversary
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The Strong and Out and About Rochester Institute Suzanne Seldes, executive vice president and chief marketing of Technology Form officer, joined the Museum Association of New York’s board Partnership of directors earlier this year. In June she was voted to the The Strong and Rochester Institute executive committee of Rochester of Technology (RIT) announced Downtown Development a partnership in June to formally Corporation where she has served collaborate on game preservation 2016 Class Inducted into the as a board member since 2011. projects, exhibits, workshops, and video game conference presentations World Video Game Hall of Fame Curator Nic Ricketts has been aimed at enhancing knowledge and elected to the Association of understanding of the history and The Strong’s World Video Game Hall of Fame welcomed its second class in Game and Puzzle Collectors impact of video games and ways to May—Grand Theft Auto III, The Legend of Zelda, The Oregon Trail, The Sims, board of directors. preserve them. Sonic the Hedgehog, and Space Invaders. The six inductees span multiple decades, countries of origin, and gaming platforms, but they all significantly Curator Patricia Hogan’s article “There’s great synergy between The influenced popular culture and society in general. “Studying Dolls at The Strong Strong’s International Center for the National Museum of Play” History of Electronic Games (ICHEG) Grand Theft Auto III appeared in the Spring 2016
Mu se u m News and RIT’s Center for Media, Arts, Games, Released in 2001, Grand Theft Auto III was the first 3-D open-ended, issue of Doll News, the quarterly Interaction and Creativity in studying “sandbox-style” game to achieve massive mainstream popularity and magazine distributed to the more Producer of The Oregon Trail video game history and working to widespread critical acclaim. The third standalone title in the franchise sold than 11,000 members of the preserve it,” says Jon-Paul C. Dyson, 14.5 million copies by 2008, acting as the first breakout hit in a series that United Federation of Doll Clubs. Donates Video Game Collection director of The Strong’s ICHEG. “This sold more than 220 million units as of 2015. agreement formalizes a long-standing In May Carrie McNeal, director A group of former employees from the Minnesota Education Computer relationship between The Strong and The Legend of Zelda of conservation, presented Consortium (MECC)—including Don Rawitsch, co-creator of The Oregon RIT, and it illustrates the important The Strong’s preservation policy Inspired by creator Shigeru Miyamoto’s childhood expeditions through woods Trail; Dale LaFrenz, co-founder and president; and Susan Schilling, vice video game work being done right here for pinball and arcade game and caves, The Legend of Zelda (1986) popularized non-linear, open-world president for product development—recently donated an extensive in Rochester, which is becoming an collections at the 44th Annual exploration games and paved the way for some of the industry’s most famous assemblage of materials documenting the history of the pioneering increasingly important center of video Meeting of the American Institute role-playing and action-adventure games. It sold more than 6.5 million copies company from 1973 to 1996. The collection includes hundreds of pieces of game development and study.” for Conservation, held jointly with software, internal documents, and press clippings that illuminate the ways and became the fourth best-selling NES game of all time, behind only the first the 42nd Annual Conference of that MECC integrated their educational products into school curricula As part of the agreement, RIT will three Super Mario games. the Canadian Association for around the nation. provide The Strong with four co-op Conservation in Montreal, Canada. The Oregon Trail students each year to advance video “MECC was a leading producer of educational games, played a prominent game preservation efforts in the areas Three student teachers created The Oregon Trail in 1971 to help Minnesota Julia Novakovic and Dane role in helping schools integrate computers into classroom learning, and of video game capture, digital data schoolchildren learn American history. First programmed on a primitive Flansburgh, archivist and project produced the most recognized, most influential educational game of all migration, and other technical issues teletype printer, the game challenged students to assume the role of Western archivist respectfully for The time, The Oregon Trail,” says Jon-Paul Dyson, director of The Strong’s related to the long-term care and settlers crossing the continent on the way to the Pacific coast. In the 1970s and Strong’s Brian Sutton-Smith International Center for the History of Electronic Games. “Because of this maintenance of video game data. 1980s, when computing access was rare, The Oregon Trail not only instructed Library and Archives, presented influence, The Oregon Trail was inducted into The Strong’s World Video The two organizations will also work players in American history but also introduced them to computers. More than “Processing Colossal Acquisitions Game Hall of Fame earlier this year.” together on joint exhibits—both at 65 million copies of the game in its several iterations have been sold. with a Small Staff: Or, What to The Strong and at RIT—beginning with Do After a Semi-Trailer Shows Started in 1973 as an attempt to bring computing to school audiences the science-fiction-themed Rockets, The Sims Up at Your Loading Dock” to in Minnesota, MECC operated the first statewide mainframe timeshare Robots, and Ray Guns now open. Released in 2000, designer Will Wright’s virtual dollhouse game, The Sims, archivists at the Mid-Atlantic computer for classroom use and initiated the first statewide school (See page 2.) pushed the boundaries of what a video game could be by allowing players Regional Archives Conference in purchase contract for personal computers. The consortium (later to tell stories in an open-ended environment. With nearly 200 million sales Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in May, corporation) created a collection of more than 300 software titles that The partnership also calls for joint in 60 countries and more than 20 languages, The Sims is the best-selling PC as well as to the New York became part of the curricula of schools nationwide, including an enhanced participation in national and game franchise ever. Archives Conference in and popularized version of The Oregon Trail educational game, which went international conferences to advance Plattsburgh, New York, in June. on to sell more than 65 million copies. the study of video games. The Strong, Sonic the Hedgehog RIT, Ritsumeikan University in Japan; Debbie McCoy, assistant “MECC lasted more than two decades, evolving from state service to To develop a rival to Nintendo’s character Mario, Sega introduced Sonic, and the University of Alberta in vice president for education, private company, and several generations of its talented staff members a hedgehog mascot with a brash, in-your-face attitude. Launched in 1991, Canada are in discussions to bring presented a keynote at Geneseo’s went on to found and populate other educational technology companies,” Sonic the Hedgehog’s lightning-fast game play temporarily vaulted Sega ahead the “Replaying Japan” conference School of Education Convocation says LaFrenz. “In the process, MECC influenced the education of millions of Nintendo in the 1990s console wars. With more than 15 million copies sold, to Rochester in 2017 to promote and LIVES graduation ceremony. of children in the United States and elsewhere. MECC alumni everywhere Sonic the Hedgehog remains the best-selling Sega Genesis game of all time; understanding of the origins and In June she traveled to the are honored to work with The Strong to create this collection of products, the entire Sonic franchise has sold 150 million units worldwide. development of the Japanese gaming Opal School’s Symposium in documents, and artifacts that will ensure the curation of the MECC legacy.” Portland, Oregon, to discuss industry and its impact on worldwide Space Invaders culture. The Strong and RIT will also playful inquiry in The Strong’s The Minnesota Education Computer Consortium Collection, 1968–2011, Designed by Tomohiro Nishikado and released in Japan in 1978, Space Invaders explore opportunities to collaborate education programs. enhances the museum’s extensive archival collection of materials challenged players to zap an ongoing onslaught of aliens. The game included on public and academic educational documenting the computer games industry, especially complementing a “high score” at the top of the screen, and this popular feature soon became pursuits, such as classes, workshops, other major collections dealing with educational software such as a standard element of arcade games. In 1980, Space Invaders entered the home and lecture series. For example, The Brøderbund, Living Books, and the Warren Buckleitner Collection. console market and became the Atari 2600’s most popular game. Strong expects to make its video game collections areas available to up to eight Visit worldvideogamehalloffame.org to nominate your favorite video game for RIT classes annually for behind-the- consideration in 2017. scenes tours and study. 8 P L AY Time • Summer 2016 www.museumofplay.org 9 11 Museum News
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Play of Journal American in the Play Explores World Modern of the nation’s foremost play theorists, explores the place the place explores theorists, play foremost of the nation’s Henricks in the modern world. and playfulness of play American Journal of Play, Play, Journal of American of the issue In the spring and one University Elon at Henricks, professor Thomas Dodson Added as Tourism Sales Associate guests has included annual attendance Strong’s The than a decade, more For the around from of countries Canada, and dozens States, all 50 United from and radio, in newspapers, reported museum activities are year And each world. more the nation—earning across from websites and news newscasts television regional, build on its growing To alone. in 2015 than 4 billion media impressions has hired Strong The guests, and attract presence and international national, with implementing Dodson is charged Sales Associate. Dodson as Tourism Karen outside the museum from to visitation new drive activities that strategic such as markets international particularly from State, York of New Kingdom. and the United Canada, China, Australia, Collections Inform Fellowship Fellowship Inform Collections of Art ’s Work Recipient Scholars from all over New York State and across the globe travel to The Strong The to the globe travel and across State York New all over Scholars from to explore its comprehensive collection of toys, dolls, electronic games, and dolls, electronic of toys, collection its comprehensive explore to document their While some researchers of play. artifacts other historical fellowship a recent articles, and dissertations, findings in books, newspaper the inform to materials and archival collections the museum’s used recipient sculpture. of a three-dimensional creation at York of New University the State at Callahan, emeritus art professor Nancy made toys of educational in April on the history research Oneonta, conducted of 19th- and 20th- collections Strong’s The examining 1800s. By the late after that puzzles, alphabet block sets, and other toys games, jigsaw board century and detailed particularly on ones with colorful learning—focusing used for were of an on the crafting her work inform able to was printing—Callahan graphic and toymakers between connection the playful illustrates that art sculpture their imaginations. that people play. Does modern life shrink available space for exuberant, exuberant, for space shrink available Does modern life people play. that is often modernity that Henricks argues play? spontaneous, disorderly order-making, toward which gravitates of play, style a certain with associated is games. “Play emphasis, and institutional clearly defined goals, technical he writes. and skills development,” of advancement as a process envisioned because as problematic play Henricks sees this diminution of spontaneous irreverence, unpredictability, improvisation, disorder, its base celebrates at “play just play to be able people need to He posits that display.” and impulsive of “extreme the advent that and argues control edge of their own the beyond and calculation. this modern organization against a revolt sports” represents playgrounds, on school play on active focus Other articles in the issue of sport, and the prevalence to play baseball from the shift in youth the View and athletes. in dancers (PTSD) Disorder Stress Posttraumatic notes over the last century and a half that society has grown increasingly increasingly grown society has that and a half century the last over notes “rational.” more and sophisticated, technically more organized, better change and asks if impact of this revolutionary He gauges the emotional has diminished as a result. side of life expressive more the softer, the way of this shift on about the effect questions Henricks also raises at online journalofplay.org. free issue
The Game Believes Game Believes of The (left), author Toppo Greg and archives library Strong’s The toured in You, Dyson. Jon-Paul with the museum’s Micha Kapetanovic and Philippe Op de Beeck Micha Kapetanovic and Visitors Conventions the Brussels from on a benchmarking tour Bureau Strong’s of the museum with The (center). Dyson Jon-Paul Malmo University from scientists Computer electronic Strong’s The toured in Sweden Strong's with The games collections right). Saucier (far Jeremy Susan Bennett, the original voice of Apple’s Susan Bennett, the original voice Strong's with The exhibits Siri, toured Shane Rhinewald. of The Cheryl Henson (right), president of and daughter Jim Henson Foundation Falk and Karen the legendary puppeteer, Jim Henson The for director archives (center), Henson-related Strong’s The toured Company, Chris Bensch. with the museum’s collections The Strong Welcomes Welcomes Strong The Guests Distinguished
Volunteers Celebrated Celebrated Volunteers Luncheon at at honored were volunteers Strong’s The left to from Pictured a luncheon in May. Chris Holmes, Fulford, Barbara right are Marilyn Hamilton, Masterson, Sarah Alice John Pearsall, Shannon Peterson, Isaacson, and Valerie Sharron Sengle, a combined has given group The Young. the museum. to of service 129 years Your Atari ST. Atari Your and PC World, Hi-Res Magazine, PC Action (Italy), PC Action Hi-Res Magazine, Game and Video Jason Scott The Magazine Collection, Computer supplements and enhances 1960–2011, of collection existing the museum’s electronic-game than 20,000 more the magazines. Overall, related of play-based range broad museum’s and other video to related materials researchers games provides electronic spans the entire with a timeline that of the gaming industry. history Hosts Strong The AP Conference more welcomed Strong In April, The high 17 area from than 900 students the 26th Annual Advanced schools to Conference. American History Placement challenged students conference The think critically about progressive to on American activism and its influence the 1890s. since and culture history college seminars by attended Students and engaged professors and university about feminism, discussions in group and the aftermath environmentalism, of the civil rights movement. American archivist, technology technology archivist, American Jason and filmmaker, historian, than more donated recently Scott, gaming magazines 2,800 electronic Sutton-Smith Brian Strong’s The to Popular of Play. and Archives Library include donation gaming titles in the Language, Computer Computer, Donation Enhances Donation Gaming Publication Collection Collection
’s session where where session Teachers use colorful materials on overhead on overhead materials use colorful Teachers while others document the projectors how understand to as a way experience in can support learning documentation the classroom. playful inquiry” playful
Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden and Butterfly Dancing Wings
s s assistant vice president for education, joins Lella Gandini joins Lella education, for president vice s assistant session where guests toured the museum’s Brian toured guests where session conference. ” past playful Summer 2016
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Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play to learn about the importance learn about the importance to of Play and Archives Library Sutton-Smith both engage to the classroom into primary sources of bringing archival in social studies. curriculum standards and national and meet state students Brian discussed Sutton-Smith attendees Library of Play, and Archives learning in the classroom. playful promoting to approaches creative participants seminar where included a Light and Shadow Workshops shapes create to and colors of lights, shadows, with variations experimented School-focused a Woodbury play; imaginative and develop stories tell that a “ spaces; on imaginative discussion teaching staff from The Strong’s Strong’s The from staff teaching from School, and staff The Strong Woodbury Emilia-inspired Reggio ’ the museum explored attendees their classrooms; bring back to ideas to learning playful brainstormed The Strong’s Reggio-Inspired Conference Conference Reggio-Inspired Strong’s The Learning to Approach a Playful Offers held its first Strong The In May education Reggio-inspired national titled “Playful conference Emilia with the Reggio Encounters Nearly 150 teachers, Approach.” principals, and administrators States the United around from conference the two-day attended of Reggio the world explore to innovative Emilia—a playful, and teaching to approach emphasizes learning that and exploration collaborative early World-renowned inquiry. Lella childhood educators Liaison States Gandini, United of the the Dissemination for to Emilia Approach Reggio andEarly Childhood Education, of Director Project Ben Mardell, Project of Play, the Pedagogy School of Graduate Harvard Zero, speakers. keynote were Education, interactive concurrent, five Through ’ Strong The Debbie McCoy, Emilia with the Reggio Encounters the “Playful at speakers keynote and Ben Mardell, ” Approach Gandini, Mardell, by led workshops and a “
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www.museumofplay.org Burns family photos photos family Burns Szymanski Gerry by Nixon Peabody LLP Peabody Nixon Company Beverages Pepsi Reuters Thomson Trane Corporation Xerox Thank you to these corporate partners and supporters for renewing renewing for partners and supporters these corporate to Thank you their commitment: Brown & Brown of New York, Inc. York, of New & Brown Brown US Inc. Danisco Diamond Packaging Garlock Sealing Technologies & Emery Secrest Harter, Bank M&T Association Veterinary Monroe Save the Date for The Strong’s Annual Strong’s The for the Date Save 21 Ball on October Play an into will transform Strong 21, The October of Friday, On the evening fun at sophisticated magic and glitzy, of glittery adult-only wonderland an will feature Ball 2016 gala! Play playful most Ball—Rochester’s Play delicious characters, costumed performers, of larger-than-life eclectic array an exclusive amazing auctions, and cocktails, creative dinner and dessert, singer. renowned a nationally by performance metallic and shimmery wearing by can join in the transformation Guests all out and come go accessories—or sequins, and glittery spectacular tones, are Ball, costumes Play At or toy. game, character, favorite as your dressed but not required! admired chairs of serving as honorary are Burns and their family and Margaret Dave pioneer to proud are and the Burns family Strong The Ball 2016. Play Burns has Ball. Dave Play chairmanship for model of a multi-generational 2003. since of Trustees Board Strong’s on The served and mission educational Strong’s Ball support The Play from Proceeds learn about tickets, purchase each. To $175 are Tickets programs. outreach Ball, please a gift in support of Play sponsorship opportunities, or make manager, events and special services advancement Fassler, Kylee contact or [email protected]. 585-410-6346 at
son, Zachary, son, Zachary,
daughter, Hannalore (right), Hannalore daughter, (far right), along with her husband, McLean, (far and and son, Jackson. Inset left: Dave Burns’ Margaret along with her husband, Zach, and their and Abigail. Inset right: Cooper children, Burns’ Margaret and Dave Sarah. with his wife Partners Corporate You Thank a financial make that Businesses as Strong The to contribution partners and sponsors corporate the meaningful support for provide valuable museum while receiving learn To their employees. benefits for can participate, company your how Michelle Parnett-Dwyer contact or 585-410-6353 at [email protected]. Above: Dave and Margaret Burns (left) and Margaret Dave Above: Collene daughter, with son, Neal (center), The Strong’s Lisa Feinstein and and Lisa Feinstein Strong’s The Curt with M&T’s Adams Rollie Deisinger. Jane and Sara Provenzo The Strong is pleased to name Delta is pleased to Strong The Air Lines the official airline of the more welcomes Strong museum. The annually, than half-a-million guests all 50 United from including guests As the continents. and six States Delta York, air carrier in New largest Air Lines support demonstrates in the Greater interest a shared and beyond. community Rochester “The Strong is a unique Rochester institution with a reputation for excellence excellence for with a reputation institution is a unique Rochester Strong “The Gail says partnership,” our valued continue to and fun, and Delta is proud to “Delta is committed York. president–New Grimmett, Delta's senior vice York’s New and as and serve, live in which we the communities giving back to of the support the rich culture especially pleased to we’re carrier, largest these.” partnerships like through community Upstate generous Delta Air Lines partnership provides The schedule 2016 the museum’s financial support for annual Strong’s and The programming of family gala. Ball fundraising Play their support Delta Air Lines for to grateful are “We and fundraising programs of our ongoing family vice Strong’s The Lisa Feinstein, says efforts,” “Family advancement. institutional for president Strong’s in The role an integral play programs it in which and the ways play explore to mission and discovery learning, creativity, encourages history.” cultural and illuminates Photo right: Katie Carroll, national sales account executive, executive, sales account national Carroll, right: Katie Photo Angeles Los manager for affairs community Rumola, and Tricia exhibit. Sesame Street visit the museum’s Delta Air Lines, both from York, and New Delta Air Lines: Official Airline Delta Air Lines: Official Strong of The M&T Bank has awarded The Strong a Strong The awarded Bank has M&T of the museum’s in support grant $25,000 These programs. education 2016–2017 school enriching provide programs through in pre-K students for lessons high school for 4; dynamic lessons grade development and professional students; and educators opportunities for administrators. school play-based provides Strong The thousands of students for annually lessons Each year, region. the Rochester across from professional of a suite also provides Strong The in-service and pre- for opportunities development and curriculum administrators, teachers, help Designed to professionals. development the classroom, the school curriculum beyond extend learning, creativity, encourage lessons Strong’s The exhibits dynamic amid the museum’s and discovery collections. and world-renowned region, Rochester Bank’s M&T for president Dan Burns, regional Says as important just are supporting growth—these a bright future, “Building for an extremely makes Strong The Strong. The to are Bank as they M&T to of inspiring learning and creativity in terms impact in our community positive their educational help ensure to honored and we’re among our local youth, come.” to years for continues programming M&T Bank Renews Support for Education Education for Support Renews Bank M&T Strong The at Programs Summer 2016
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The Strong will host its next its next will host Strong The Hour on Wednesday, Happiest 9:30 p.m. 5:30 to from 17, August Hour is a ticketed, Happiest The and fundraiser after-hours “big kids” for museum experience science- The age 21 and older. will feature fiction themed event a sampling of snacks, cash bar, music and lightsaber training, arts dancing, out-of this-world cryptozoological and crafts, to surprises, and full access interactive Strong’s The including the all-new exhibits, Guns. Robots, and Ray Rockets, Hour the Happiest from Proceeds Strong’s The support help to and mission educational overall programs. outreach community Hour will sell out Happiest The at purchased fast.be Tickets may museumofplay.org/happiesthour. Hour is presented Happiest The Makers Play Strong The by a volunteer Council, Leadership who professionals of young group of play in the importance believe the people of all ages, and by for below. listed sponsors generous The Happiest Hour Happiest The in August! Returns
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12 C ale n dar of E ve n ts July 2016 August 2016 September 2016
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Spot the Differences 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Summer 2016 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Hey little sci-fi fans, can you spot the five differences between the two 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 pictures below? Visit the Rockets, Robots, and Ray Guns exhibit for more 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 31 Programs underwritten in part by official airline of The Strong. 25 26 27 28 29 30 science-fiction fun. See page 2 for details. 31 age A JULY
Book Nook Now Open: Rockets, Robots, Saturday & Sunday, July 9 & 10 Saturday & Sunday, July 16 & 17 and Ray Guns Sci-fi Summer: Rochester Ghostbusters Sci-fi Summer: Galactic Warriors Librarians’ picks from the Travel to distant futures and faraway galaxies Meet the Rochester Ghostbusters and enjoy Stop by a “Jedi” training camp and learn Grada Hopeman Gelser Library as you explore the world of science fiction. sci-fi themed activities. fencing etiquette, basic footwork, and blade work. Kids P Kids Now Open: The Force at Play Tuesday, July 12–Friday, July 29 Darth Vader and Son Explore the evolution of the beloved Fairy House Award Winner Display Saturday & Sunday, July 23 & 24 by Jeffrey Brown Star Wars movie franchise. See the award-winning fairy houses from the Sci-fi Summer: Alien Encounters Corn Hill Arts Festival Fairy Houses Tour. Pose for a photo with a friendly alien and (for the younger readers) Now Open: Academy of Martian, dress up in the cosmic costume shop, and more. Darth Vader faces his greatest Interactive Arts and Sciences Friday, July 15 challenge imaginable: raising his Discover the luminaries in the video game Sold Out: Koo Koo Kanga Roo four-year-old son, Luke Skywalker. industry and their award-winning creations All-Ages Concert Saturday & Sunday, July 30 & 31 From bedtime meltdowns to play The only Rochester appearance of Koo Koo Sci-fi Summer: Starships and UFOs ground tussles to Take Your Child Friday, July 8 Kanga Roo! Meet David Ramsay from Starship Troopers, snap a selfie with the TARDIS, and more. to Work Day on the Death Star, Playing with Politics Display Opening 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) the Dark Lord of the Sith meets View artifacts highlighting the satirical side the challenges of parenthood with of politics. the power of the Force on his side. (shelved in Rockets, Robots, and Ray Guns).
Whales on Stilts! AUGUST by M. T. Anderson (for intermediate readers) Saturday & Sunday, August 6 & 7 Saturday & Sunday, August 13 & 14 Sunday, August 21 Lily Gefelty doesn’t know much Sci-fi Summer: Rebels and Imperials Sci-fi Summer: Galactic Warriors Member Discount at George Eastman about her father’s job. Sometimes Meet with characters from the 501st Legion Stop by a “Jedi” training camp and learn Museum’s Dydren Theater he complained about the lack of and the Rebel Legion, visit with the R2-D2 fencing etiquette, basic footwork, and Strong members receive $2 off adult tickets air-conditioning or raved about Builder’s Club, and more. blade work. to E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial at the Dydren the new packages of muffins in the Theater through a partnership between vending machine. So it was a bit of Sunday, August 7 Wednesday, August 17 the museum’s Sci-Fi Summer activities and Dryden Kids film series. surprise to twelve-year-old Lily on Member Discount at George Eastman The Happiest Hour Career Day when she finds out that Museum’s Dydren Theater Enjoy a playful happy hour for big kids he works for a mad scientist seeking Strong members receive $2 off adult tickets ages 21 and older. Purchase tickets at Saturday & Sunday, August 27 & 28 to conquer the world. (shelved in to Close Encounters of the Third Kind at museumofplay.org/happiesthour. Sci-fi Summer: Space Cadets Rockets, Robots, and Ray Guns). the Dydren Theater through a partnership Journey to astronaut training camp, see between the museum’s Sci-Fi Summer Saturday & Sunday, August 20 & 21 a glowing cosmos in the ultraviolet room, activities and Dryden Kids film series. and more. Sci-fi Summer: Cosmic Creations See out-of-this-world creations by local Wool artists, discover the inner workings of electronic devices, and more. by Hugh Howey (for older readers) In a suffocating, post-apocalyptic world where the land and air are toxic, people are forced to live in a 144-story silo dug deep into the earth. It is dangerous to talk about what SEPTEMBER lies outside the Silo. Those who ask too many questions risk the ultimate Mondays, September 12, 19 & 26 Saturday & Sunday, September 17 & 18 Saturday & Sunday, September 24 & 25 punishment of getting what they Storytime Club: New Beginnings Sonic the Hedgehog’s Exhibit Opening: Dinosaurs: Land of wanted: sent outside. (shelved in Enjoy heartwarming tales about trying new 25th Anniversary Fire and Ice Rockets, Robots, and Ray Guns). things and making friends. Meet and pose for pictures with Sonic the Be amazed by dinosaurs of all shapes and Hedgehog, create Sonic headgear, and more. sizes, crawl through a smoldering volcano, climb into a squishy bog, dig up dinosaur
fossils, and more.
gray mountains. mountains. gray Answers:
14 P L AY Time • Summer 2016 phone, missing tooth, missing UFO, additional moon, Tilted 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 Cecilia Griffin Golden, PhD Joy Ryen Plotnik, Esq Jeff Valentine only. Reservations may be made at the museum’s David J. Burns Don H. Kollmorgen Bruce Raiffe John E. Van de Wetering, PhD admissions desk. Michael J. Cicero Laura Saxby Lynch William D. Rice Mee F. Wing Admission rates and Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden Roberta DuBeshter Linda McGinley, EdD Donald J. Riley fees subject to change. Steve Dubnik William W. Napier Fred W. Smith, PhD G. Rollie Adams, PhD Zeke Duda Aaron C. Newman Matthew Tipple President and CEO Parking 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. The museum will close at 4 p.m. on Monday, July 4.
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 Restaurant. Visit museumofplay.org for hours and information. On weekends, holidays, and during school breaks, dining tables and chairs are reserved for restaurant customers only.
Information 585-263-2700 • museumofplay.org
PLAY Time Editor: Kelly Murphy Lucyszyn Contributing Writers and Photographers: The Strong Named Number One Family Michelle Parnett-Dwyer, Lisa Feinstein, Crissi Harrison, Beth Lathrop, Noelle McElrath-Hart, Allison McGrath, Travel Destination in the United States Bethany Mosher, Kelly Murphy Lucyszyn, Shane Rhinewald, Suzanne Seldes, Olivia Viterna The Strong was named the number one “Family Travel Destination” in the United Art Director: Niki Kruger, Zimmet Group States by readers of FamilyFun magazine. Two thousand readers nationwide responded to survey questions and rated hundreds of destinations across five categories. The Strong emerged at the top of a list that included such places as the National Mall and Memorial Parks in Washington, DC, and Mount Rushmore Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai National Memorial.