Toys Exhibit at the Old Courthouse Museum

What was your favorite toy growing up? Was it a stuffed animal, a cherished Barbie doll, or a heroic action figure? Regardless of the toy, that question undoubtedly conjures up childhood memories of past toys. In our newest exhibit Toys, we take a look at all types of toys from the past. Maybe you’ll spot your favorite!

Children have been playing with toys for thousands of years. The earliest known playthings were sticks, balls, and carved figurines of people and animals. They were used to teach children cultural values as well as how to use weapons for hunting and warfare. Cultural and technological shifts over time changed the way people used toys. They became instrumental in childhood development; toys could both educate and entertain children.