CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE ANNOUNCES PASSAGE OF HIS LEGISLATION TO DESIGNATE THE STRONG MUSEUM AS NATIONAL MUSEUM OF PLAY

(Washington, D.C.) — Today, Congressman Joe Morelle announced legislation he authored to designate the Margaret Woodbury Strong Museum (known locally as The Strong) as the National Museum of Play has passed the House of Representatives.

“The Strong is truly a one-of-a-kind destination for families of all ages, fostering lifelong learning, creativity, and discovery through play,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “I’m proud to have led the effort in Washington to secure the national recognition they deserve. I’m grateful to Congressman Langworthy for his partnership and look forward to supporting The Strong’s continued growth and success for years to come.”

Congressman Nick Langworthy said: “As a parent, I have watched my own children enjoy the wonders of the Strong Museum, and for the people of Western New York, it is a landmark institution, but this new designation as the National Museum of Play will put it on the map for the rest of America. I’m proud to co-sponsor this legislation that showcases their great work in childhood development and creativity while promoting tourism to Upstate.”

Steve M. Dubnik, President and CEO of The Strong, said: “The passage of the ‘National Museum of Play Recognition Act’ in the House of Representatives spotlights The Strong’s national importance as the only museum devoted solely to the study of play. It’s an honor to be recognized at the federal level for the crucial work that the museum does preserving the history of play and bringing joy to families across the country. This recognition would not have been possible without the tireless support of Congressman Joe Morelle, who championed the bill and built bipartisan support with his colleagues in the House of Representatives.”

The Margaret Woodbury Strong Museum was chartered in 1968 in Rochester, New York, to showcase Margaret Woodbury Strong’s collection of dolls and toys, which she amassed over her lifetime. It officially opened to the public in 1982. It has since grown to more than 375,000 square feet and includes both the National Toy Hall of Game and the World Video Game Hall of Fame. Congressman Morelle’s legislation, the National Museum of Play Recognition Act, acknowledges the more than 50 years of work The Strong has done to encourage play and its impact on children in Rochester and across the nation by officially designating it as the “National Museum of Play.”

The National Museum of Play Recognition Act has passed the House of Representatives and will now be considered by the Senate. To learn more about this legislation, read the full text here.

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