It’s that time of year once again when toys and gifts fill spaceports everywhere. There is one place though, that celebrates toys from throughout the ages. This unique museum celebrates all things ‘Play,’ and brings the final frontier a little closer. Located in Rochester, New York, the Strong Museum of Play inspires the minds of explorers of all ages. Featuring interactive hands-on exhibits, it houses a collection of over 700 vintage and modern Star Trek toys, among others. A collection this large would make Kivas Fajo (Saul Rubinek) jealous!
Recently, the museum held the “In Another Galaxy” event, which brought beloved science-fiction characters to visit. A group of armed stormtroopers led by Darth Vader greeted museum-goers, but it was a Starfleet Captain who kept the peace.
A Mission of Mercy
These characters aren’t random cosplayers brought in for this event. They are members of SAWNY, Inc., formerly the Superhero Alliance of Western New York.
“Our Mission is to make appearances at activities that benefit the health and wellbeing of children as well as those who are a child at heart – hence our motto, ‘In character for a cause’,”
– Kaitlyn Kiszewski-McCarthY, Public Relations Director, SAWNY, Inc.
According to Kaitlyn Kiszewski-McCarthy, Public Relations Director for SAWNY, Inc., the group began as a small group of friends. They originally rallied together in 2014 for an event called “Superheroes Save Skateland” to raise money for a dying business. The event was founded in November 2015. The group has since expanded and became a non-profit organization in 2018.
Members of SAWNY, Inc. portray anything from superheroes to villains and most recently sci-fi characters. Representing the Star Trek universe, they have Captain Picard, Data, and Geordi La Forge to name a few. Also in their ranks are several unnamed classic command divisions, science division, and “red-shirts.” Among them, is Darin Wright who appeared at Strong Museum as a Starfleet Captain from the Star Trek: Wrath of Khan era. He had an impressive cosplay, complete with an appropriate phaser, insignia, and wrist-communicator.
Darin has been a member of SAWNY, Inc. since 2020. He loves to cosplay and bring smiles to everyone, as well as contribute to and help the cosplay community overall. Darin attends as many events as he can and is a member of several other community cosplay groups as well. In addition to Star Trek, he has several variations of The Riddler, The Joker, Armored Batman, J. Jonah Jameson, Mr. Fantastic, and Peter B. Parker.
42 Years “Strong”
Trek Central reached out to the Strong Museum of Play. Senior Director of Communications Shane Rhinewald talked to us about toys, Trek and all things play:
Trek Central: Can you comment as to the history and mission of the strong museum of play?
Rhinewald: The Strong National Museum of Play is the only museum in the world dedicated to the study and history of play. It’s part family museum, filled with interactives, but also an American history museum at its core. The museum is home to more than half a million objects related to play—toys, dolls, board games, video games, and related materials. It was opened to the public in 1982 but didn’t formally adopt its “play mission” until 2003. The museum believes that play is the way that we—both children and adults—learn best.
Trek Central: When was the Star Trek explorer bridge playset built? What was the goal behind it?
Rhinewald: The USS Strong bridge set, inspired in part by Star Trek and other popular science fiction, was built in 2018 as part of the Imagination Destination exhibit.
Imagination Destination is all about roleplaying and letting kids test themselves. Many of the simulated areas, such as the builder’s house and theater, are modeled on real-world spaces where kids can take on the roles of carpenter or stage actor. The USS Strong allows kids to dream bigger and imagine themselves in space, piloting or commanding a spaceship and dodging asteroid fields. The idea is that imaginative play isn’t limited by what’s possible now. It’s all about what might be possible in the future. That’s the beauty of play—it allows people of all ages to dream big.
Trek Central: This past weekend’s events, with the superhero alliance of Western New York… Is this the first time you have had them visit? What kind of turnout overall did you see this weekend?
Rhinewald: The Superhero Alliance of Western New York has been a great partner to The Strong for past superhero events and other In Another Galaxy Weekends, which is our sci-fi extravaganza. This was the 11th In Another Galaxy Weekend, and thousands of guests came out Saturday and Sunday to enjoy it. It’s always fun to see families come together in costume.
Trek Central: Star Trek is unique for its view and philosophy of the future. A time when we work to better ourselves, and our driving force is exploration. How does this align with the values of Strong Museum?
Rhinewald: Science fiction is inherently playful. It’s all about imagining new worlds and exploration, which is at the heart of most plays. It also provides an opportunity to roleplay, whether that’s a child throwing on a blanket cape and pretending to be a favorite character or villain, or adults making elaborate costumes to cosplay and bring joy to others. Science fiction also has a huge impact on the world of toys and video games, from the action figures that it inspires to the gargantuan arcade games that throw the player into a simulated spacecraft.
Trek Central: How big is your Star Trek collection?
Rhinewald: Among the museum’s 500,000+ artifacts are many science-fiction toys, including 700 Star Trek toys – from themed yo-yos to playing cards, and action figures to spaceships. Who doesn’t want a Commander Riker yo-yo?
The entire collection can be seen here!
Fun for the Ages – A Note from the Author
Whether you’re a day-old Jem Hadar or an 800-year-old Trill, the Strong National Museum of Play is truly fun. Adults enjoy the exhibits as much as children enjoy the playsets. I’ve taken my family there countless times, although living 3 hours away. Every time is as enjoyable as the last. Although, at almost 34 years old, it’s an interesting feeling to see the toys I grew up with, labeled “vintage.” I’ve taken a walk through Sesame Street, strolled the butterfly garden, played the classic arcade games and of course – sat in the Captain’s chair (trying to not get too carried away!).
If you’re planning a trip to check out this unique gem, make sure to check out the classic-looking diner Bill Gray’s within the museum, along with a general food court. For a true treat though, go down the street and get some of the area’s famous Dinosaur BBQ. If you want to expand your exploration of toys after visiting the Strong, travel a couple of hours east to see the Fisher Price Museum in East Aurora, NY!
As a father, I’m grateful for such an educational and inspiring place as the Strong National Museum of Play. Be sure to check out their upcoming events on their website. SAWNY, Inc. continues to fulfill its amazing mission.
For more information and to find out how to reserve a booking, please visit their website here.
From the Trek Central family to yours – Happy Holidays!
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