Toys In America At The Stephentown Historical Society

Marilyn Sassi will give an illustrated talk, “300 Years of Toys in America,” on Monday, November 7, to the Stephentown Historical Society. The meeting will be at 7:30 pm at the Stephentown Heritage Center on Garfield Road, Stephentown. The building is handicapped accessible. For directions or information, phone 518-733-5675 or visit Stephentown-Historical.org for a map.
“300 Years Of Toys In America” begins with the treatment of children by the first founders of America’s colonies. Starting with the very rare toys from this early time frame, the program will follow the changing trends in the treatment of children by illustrating the many fascinating toys that were made for them, some truly works of art and ingenuity. Included will be the many tin, iron and mechanical toys made in 19th and early 20th century America. The program will end with a history of the still popular teddy bear. Audience members may bring in toys of interest for a show and tell after the talk.
Sassi graduated from Russell Sage College with a major in art history and then pursued graduate studies at SUNY Albany in Museum Practices. Her many years of experience in the field of antiques has included the position of curator at several local museums and working at auction galleries, estate sales and as a local newspaper correspondent covering local antiques. Her teaching experience includes lecture series for Schenectady County, Hudson Valley Community College and Union College.