Ep.151 – The Strong: How One Woman’s Collection Became the Strong Museum of Play

In 1982, the Margaret Woodbury Strong Museum opened in Rochester, New York, eventually becoming The Strong National Museum of Play, the world’s largest museum dedicated to play. In this episode, we trace the fascinating life of Margaret Woodbury Strong, a wealthy collector who transformed her passion for dolls, toys, and miniatures into a legacy that celebrates the joy of play. Our discussion explores her early life, her remarkable 300,000-item collection, and how her estate led to a one-of-a-kind institution featuring exhibits on video games, comic books, and classic toys. We also take a tour through the museum’s National Toy Hall of Fame, the International Center for the History of Electronic Games, and the World Video Game Hall of Fame. Join us as we explore The Strong and its celebration of imagination on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.