This past weekend we paid a trip to the Washington State History Museum whom just finished up hosting a four month run of the traveling exhibition. Toytopia.
The exhibit which centers on the history of toys in America from the past 100 years included lots of displayed items and interactive play areas. There were lots of opportunities to read and hear about the creation and origin of many of today’s popular toys. Toys including GI Joe, Lego, Barbie, Star Wars, Frisbee, Crayola, Cabbage Patch Kids, Erector, Monopoly and the list goes on, where all present in the exhibition. From tin toys to teddy bears, video games to construction toys, board games to action figures, toys of all types were on display.
It was Toytopia’s inclusion of action figures which, of course, was what caught our interest the most. Now as this traveling history lesson on playthings was sponsored by many company’s from the toy industry, it provided some really nice rare examples of their products. Now since Hasbro was one of said partners, included was quite a bit about Kenner’s vintage line of Star Wars action figures. There were images, displays, examples, commercials, and narrations which played that told the history of the line.
The following is most of the Kenner Star Wars coverage offered at Toytopia (and for the videos you may need to turn up your volume):
The following is a taste of what else you would experience should Toytopia show up at your local history museum in the future.
We have a great time learning about the toys we grew up with and would recommend this exhibit to anybody with an interest in history and toys in general. If your main or only love is for Star Wars, well this article shows you all the exhibit has to offer so perhaps sit this one out.
Until next time, May the Figures be with you!
