National Toy Hall of Fame

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The National Toy Hall of Fame® is an American hall of fame that recognizes the contributions of toys and games that have sustained their popularity for many years. Criteria for induction include: icon-status (the toy is widely recognized, respected, and remembered); longevity (more than a passing fad); discovery (fosters learning, creativity, or discovery); and innovation (profoundly changed play or toy design).^[1] Established in 1998, the National Toy Hall of Fame was originally housed at A. C. Gilbert's Discovery Village in Salem, Oregon, United States, but was moved to the Strong Museum (now the Strong National Museum of Play®) in Rochester, New York, in 2002 after it outgrew its original home.

Thirty-nine toys have been enshrined in the National Toy Hall of Fame®:

Contents 1 Original inductees (1998-99) 2 Class of 2000 3 Class of 2001 4 Class of 2002 5 Class of 2003 6 Class of 2004 7 Class of 2005 8 Class of 2006 9 Class of 2007 10 See also 11 References 12 External links

[edit] Original inductees (1998-99)

The original inductees to the National Toy Hall of Fame® were announced in November 1999. Students from nearby Willamette University protested (good naturedly) when they learned that Mr. Potato Head and Barbie’s friend Ken were not included.[2]
Barbie Crayola Crayon Erector Set Etch-A-Sketch Frisbee Hula Hoop Lego Lincoln Logs Marbles Monopoly Play-Doh Radio Flyer wagon Rocking Horse Roller Skates Teddy Bear Tinkertoy View-master Duncan Yo-Yo	The classic red-and-white Etch A Sketch model	Hand-made marbles from West Africa
	A couple of examples of rocking horses.

[edit] Class of 2000

This year's selections were chosen from a field of 34 nominations by a panel of educators and civic leaders that included Sharon Kitzhaber, wife of Oregon Govenor John Kitzhaber.[3] Nominees rejected for the honor this year included G.I. Joe, Original Nintendo, the soccer ball, Beanie Babies, the baseball glove and the cap gun.[4]
Bicycle Jacks Jump rope Mr. Potato Head Slinky	A Triumph with a step-through frame.	A set of jacks	Metal Slinky

[edit] Class of 2001

Both children and adults created a list of 82 nominees over the past year. A national panel of distinguished educators and civic leaders choose two toys for induction this year.[5] Silly Putty Tonka Trucks[6]

an old-style steel toy dump truck by Tonka

[edit] Class of 2002

There were more than ninety nominees this year. [7] Jigsaw puzzle Raggedy Ann: her induction this year came after a full year of campaigning from fans. [8]

Raggedy Ann meets Raggedy Andy for the first time; illustrated by Johnny Gruelle

[edit] Class of 2003

Alphabet Blocks[9] Checkers[10]

English draughts board (aka checkers)

[edit] Class of 2004

G.I. Joe: the G.I. JOE brand overwhelmed the competition in a Playthings Magazine poll asking which nominated toy most deserved to be honored.[11] Scrabble

In the 1960s G.I Joe was called Action Soldier leading to the term action figure.

A game of Scrabble in progress

[edit] Class of 2005

Candy Land[12] Cardboard box[13] Jack-in-the-box

A jack-in-the box

Staple corrugated box

[edit] Class of 2006

This year’s nominees were: Atari Game System, Big Wheel, Easy-Bake Oven, Lite-Brite, Fisher-Price Little People, Hot Wheels, Lionel Trains, Operation Skill Game, PEZ Candy Dispenser, rubber duck, skateboard, and Twister.^[14] Only two of the twelve nominees took their place in the hall that year.

1. Easy Bake Oven^[15]
2. Lionel Trains^[16]

[edit] Class of 2007

Atari 2600[17] Kite[18] Raggedy Andy[19]

Atari 2600 four-switch "wood veneer" version, while the original 2600 had six switches.

Raggedy Ann meets Raggedy Andy for the first time; illustrated by Johnny Gruelle

A simple geometric kite with a tail.

[edit] See also

• Toy Industry Hall of Fame recognizing the contributions of toy-makers.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• National Toy Hall of Fame at Strong National Museum of Play®, Rochester, NY
• Raggedy Ann Inducted in the National Toy Hall of Fame® in 2002