Toys and games—from the handmade to the mass-produced—factor large in this region’s cultural history. With both powerhouse toymakers like Parker Brothers, Milton Bradley and Hasbro and well-known artisan makers such as Izannah Walker, New England is the home to well over one hundred past and current toy makers. This exhibition celebrated the local roots of many of America’s most beloved toys and games, from Erector Sets to Monopoly and corn husk dolls. In this combination of a playroom, time capsule, and history lesson, visitors were able to discover the fascinating—and sometimes surprising—stories about the people who brought them to life.

In 2021, we brought out more historical favorites from the vaults (including antique talking boards like Ouija), more hands-on games to try, and original design and prototype materials from the game designers themselves.

Bennington Museum
Brian Chenevert
Derrick Clow
Carol Dana
Betty Davidian
Derryl DePriest
Falmouth Historical Society
Patricia Hatch
Hingham Historical Society

Historical Society of Cheshire County
Cas Holman
Hudson Museum
Maine Historical Society
Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center
New Hampshire Historical Society
New Bedford Whaling Museum
Page Farm & Home Museum
Old Sturbridge Village

R. Eric Reuss
Salem Witch Board Museum
Sandwich Glass Museum
Shelburne Museum
Stinson Mountain Museum of Building Toys
Talking Board Historical Society
Wenham Museum
Mike Yolles
Laurie Ziegler