The Tale Of Toys Told At Sag Harbor Whaling Museum

Video games and Virtual Reality may be how kids play today, but on Friday, August 9, from 6 to 8 p.m., the Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum opens a new exhibition that explores the way in which our children’s grandparents and great-grandparents kept themselves amused as “young ‘uns.”

Curated by museum collections manager Richard Doctorow, “Toy Story” is a display of dozens of toys, dolls and board games from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While the objects on view are a delight to see in their own right (who wouldn’t want to play with a wooden elevated train set or have a go at the 1891 “Parlor Football” board game?), the exhibition also explores how the concept of childhood has changed over the centuries.

Being a kid was not always the fun that it is today. In fact, for most of history childhood was something very different entirely. It wasn’t until the 1700s that childhood began to be seen as a time of sanctuary before the hardships and perils of adulthood set in, and it wasn’t until the 1800s that the modern concept of childhood as a time for idyllic frolic, innocence and play became the norm. These changes were reflected in the toys and games themselves which, over time became less “morally instructive” and more “fun for fun’s sake.”

Come for the toys, but stay for the fascinating history of what it means to be a kid. Explore the story that toys can tell us about the changing nature of childhood, of society and of ourselves. The exhibition also includes artwork (available for purchase) by contemporary local artists that explore the themes of childhood, play and toys.

“Toy Story” remains on view through September 5 at the Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum, 200 Main Street, Sag Harbor. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking is available in rear of building. For more information visit sagharborwhalingmuseum.org or call 631-725-0770.