Who doesn’t love toys? Dolls, trains, Shopkins and Legos are always lining my floor. So when we entered a history museum and saw an exhibit on toys of the 50s, 60s and 70s, we knew we had to go.
On our quick trip to Richmond, Virginia we had a few hours and wanted to check out the Virginia Historical Society. We went with the intention of taking the children through some exhibits on the civil war, and teach them some American history. But as we entered, we saw the wall of toys and the ad for the special exhibit. It was a no brainier. We paid the entrance to the special exhibit and went in.
The exhibit advertised that it was interactive and it proved that right off the start.
Each decade had its own section, and each section was decorated in the living room décor of the decade. In each living room was a TV where you could watch commercials that advertised the most popular toys of that decade. From Barbie in the 50s to Nerf in the 70s, the commercials showed children playing and enjoying toys that I enjoyed (even though I grew up in the 80s and 90s). The kids loved sitting in the couch and watching the commercials. At home, we have Netflix, so to them it’s a rare treat to be able to see commercials!
Television ads of old were a favorite of the kids
Throughout the exhibit were toys of the 50s, 60s and 70s. I loved looking over my favorites and pointing out to the toys I played with, or the toys they play with. In the middle of the exhibit, there was fun interactive trivia contest.
The exhibit was full of classic toys that took me back to my childhood
Trolls and Mr. Potato Head, classics
At the end of the exhibit was a great interactive section. There was a house to throw Nerf balls, stairs for Slinkys, Simon, and the best part, an Atari. We spend the rest of the exhibit playing and enjoying. I spent the rest of the time having a good time falling back into my childhood.
Who wouldn’t love a room full of toys to play with!
We stayed until the museum closed and security came to kick us out. As we left, we were high on fun and toys eager to enjoy the rest of our Virginia visit.
- Address: 428 North Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia 2322
- Cost: free for historical society members, $10 for special exhibits (VHS members and children under 18 free)
- Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm, Sunday (Galleries and Museum Shop) 10 am – 5 pm
- Dates: February 24 – December 31, 2017
