Earlier this month, the Clements Library opened our new exhibit, For All Ages, highlighting familiar and unique toys and board games throughout American history. Many were not only fun, but also taught practical skills and moral lessons.
Explore the expanded online exhibit to see additional items and videos of games in use!
When speaking about putting together the exhibition, Curator of Maps and Graphics and co-curator of the exhibit Sierra Laddusaw stated that “In curating the exhibit, something that stood out is how many of these 100+ years old games we still play today! The design, themes, craftsmanship, and gameplay have stood the test of time.” She was initially drawn to this topic because of her lifelong love of board games, which she considers to be “interactive pieces of art that you are supposed to touch and play with.”
Readers may recognize this Magnetic Fish Pond from their own childhood.
Even though the objects are behind glass, the co-curators have created an interactive way to explore the display. Visitors to the Clements will be given a sheet that reads like game instructions. One of the objectives is to “Look and find hidden elements among the games.” The gameplay goes on to describe how visitors should complete the scavenger hunt. The final instruction reads, “At the end of the observation, players turn in their answer sheet to the Library attendant for a reward.” Laddusaw thought it was important for guests to have an interaction appropriate to the spirit of the exhibit even though the items are too fragile for everyone to touch.
Jakob Dopp, Graphics Division cataloger and co-curator of the exhibit had a personal investment in researching and compiling the games being displayed. “Personally, the timing of this exhibit couldn’t have been better as my wife and I are currently raising our first child. It’s been impossible to ignore the through lines connecting some of these historic materials to present day toys and games that we’ve been enjoying with our little girl,” Dopp explained. In particular, he pointed out the magnetic fishing rod playset that is likely familiar to many. Dopp hopes that “experiencing this exhibit will impart viewers with a similar sense of timeless joy, wonder, and nostalgia that everybody can relate to.”
The exhibit For All Ages will be on display at the William L. Clements Library through December 23. Visit the library weekdays from 12-4 pm, or view the expanded online exhibit anytime.