Treasured toys: Science Spectrum hosts childhood toy exhibit

by Courtney Ortega, editorial assistant

With Christmas quickly approaching, the thought of toys flood the minds of tiny tots everywhere.

Yet Christmas is much more than a time for children. It also is a time for adults to reminisce about Christmases long past and the toys that captured their youthful hearts. 

This Christmas, one can do just that, thanks in part to the Science Spectrum Museum of Lubbock. Since Nov. 10, the Science Spectrum began showcasing the innovative exhibition known as Kid Stuff: Great Toys From Our Childhood.  

“This exhibit has a rather large, diverse appeal to both adults and children,” says James Naismith, administrative manager for the Science Spectrum. “Primarily, I would say adults, parents and grandparents would be just as excited, if not more, to come see it because these are the toys that they grew up with, with some toys dating back to as late as the 1940s.”

Created by the Berkshire Museum of Pittsfield, Mass., the Kid Stuff exhibition is currently on national tour, making several notable stops at the Capitol Children’s Museum in Washington, D.C., the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, N.J., and the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, Ill. Inspired by the book “Kid Stuff: Great Toys From Our Childhood”, the 4,500-square-foot exhibit is built upon author David Hoffman’s vision of the more than 40 classic games and toys of the past 50 years.

A nostalgic trip through the decades, the Kid Stuff exhibit houses such fan favorites as Etch A Sketch, Matchbox Cars, and Barbie. Yet what makes for such a special treat for the whole family is that each toy is displayed with both its past and current models, making for an amusing comparison of their evolution for onlookers.

 Broken up into 10 gallery areas, one can expect to find such sections as “Don’t Make A Mess”, showcasing classics such as Magic Rocks and Crayola Crayons, or the “Go Outside and Play” area, which features timeless outdoor toys such as the Radio Flyer Wagon and Flexible Flyer sled. One can also feast their eyes, literally, on a Monopoly Chocolate Edition game board, created with the use of actual chocolate. Visitors to the exhibit can even brush up a little on the history of the toys, as each display tells the origin of the toy, while a television blares famous toy commercials from the past four decades.   

Yet don’t be surprised to find some toys that might be much more familiar to the older generations in your family, rather than you. Toys such as Colorforms, a plastic take on paper dolls, and Mr. Potato Head’s friends, Pete the Pepper and Katie the Carrot, were first introduced in the 1950s. Though they are among the least recognizable in the exhibit, they still remain classic toys of their time.   

However, the exhibit is much more than just a vision for the eyes. It is also very hands-on, allowing visitors to interact with the toys, as well as with each other.

“There are lots of hands-on components,” notes Naismith. “There’s probably about a dozen or so modern examples of classic toys with which children can interact.”

One display is the Nerf Ball toss game, in which one gets the chance to throw an actual Nerf Ball at anything from “priceless crystal” to a flower vase. And for all those who love a good picture opportunity, how does taking your picture with Barbie or G.I. Joe, sound?   Well, you can do just that, at the Barbie and G.I. Joe displays, where you are given the opportunity to dress up and have your picture taken with life-size versions of the plastic icons against authentic backdrops.

“I think the most enjoyable part of the exhibit, as I’ve said many times before, is it lets parents and grandparents relive their childhood, as well as sharing the experience with their children and grandchildren,” says Naismith.

Yet the fun does not end there. Starting Dec. 8, the Science Spectrum will be adding another new exhibit in the spirit of the holidays called Toyland Express. What is hoped to be built as an annual family tradition for the Hub City, the Toyland Express exhibit showcases everything from antique and collectible toys belonging to local collectors, to special Christmas and Santa displays. Even the Lubbock Model Railroad Association is getting in on the action, as they are loaning several model railroad displays to the exhibit.

So this Christmas, rekindle memories with other generations and let your inner child come alive. The Kid Stuff exhibit is a must-see this holiday and is a pure treat for the whole family. Both exhibitions run until Jan. 1 and are included with the purchase of a $6 general museum admission ticket.  

For more information on the Kid Stuff: Great Toys From Our Childhood exhibition or other Science Spectrum events, visit www.sciencespectrum.org or call (806) 745-2525.    

All photos by Laura Norris/Plainsman Press