Margaret Woodbury Strong Papers, 1897-1969

The Strong National Museum of Play

Margaret Woodbury in Kyoto, Japan, 1905 - Image Source

Collection Facts

Extent:

Dates of Original:

1897 - 1969

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Historical Context

The Margaret Woodbury Strong papers are from the original estate of Margaret Woodbury Strong, spanning her lifetime from 1897–1969. Strong, who had been a collector her entire life, amassed a vast collection of dolls, dollhouses, toys, and other playthings, with which she hoped to establish a museum. In 1968, she obtained a provisional charter from the New York State Board of Regents for the “Margaret Woodbury Strong Museum of Fascination.” After her death in 1969, her collections and financial resources formed the basis for what is now The Strong Museum.

Scope of Collection

This collection includes a selection of materials from the Margaret Woodbury Strong papers, including photographs, correspondence, diary entries, news clippings, and ephemera. There are black-and-white photographs depicting Margaret Woodbury Strong throughout her life--as a infant through adulthood. There are formal portraits, as well as family photographs. There is a diary entry describing her engagement and family’s reaction. There are materials related to her marriage including: the official marriage announcement of Margaret and her husband Homer Strong, marriage certificate, and bridal portrait. There are news clippings describing her dollhouse collections. Also included are some invitations and brochures relating to Margaret Woodbury Strong’s collections. The materials span her lifetime, from the late 19th century through mid-20th century.