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Strong Museum Announces Toy Hall Of Fame Finalists

The Strong National Museum of Play

The Strong National Museum of Play has released its list of finalists for the 2015 toy hall of fame induction.

There are a dozen toys that made it to the final round, including Wiffle Ball, the Super Soaker, and Twister.

Chris Bensch is the Chief Curator for the museum. He says there are a few that didn't make the cut this year that he'd like to see inducted some day in the future.

"I was a strong lobbyist for Matchbox toy cars. Hotwheels are in the hall already, but I know that my childhood vehicle play was not be complete without Matchbox."

Among the twelve classic toys are brand names like Jenga, American Girl Dolls, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, as well as more generic favorites like scooters and puppets.

Bensch says they like to have a balance between recognized brands, and toys that cover a broader territory, like the coloring book.

"That is having a huge resurgence lately, not for kids but for grown ups."

Bensch says part of the motivation behind having a toy hall of fame is to get people of all ages to recognize and remember the importance of stimulative play.

Two winners will be chosen and inducted on November 5.

Here is the complete list of finalists:

  • American Girl dolls
  • Battleship
  • coloring book
  • Jenga
  • PLAYMOBIL
  • puppet
  • scooter
  • Super Soaker
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
  • top
  • Twister
  • Wiffle Ball
Veronica Volk is a senior editor and producer for WXXI News.