Children's Toy & Doll Museum

Just before our nation's birthday in 1976, a group of Marietta women, under the leadership of Sally Hille, organized the Bicentennial Woman's Club. In celebration of the event they collected antique dolls, games, toys, and dollhouses. These were displayed in the Campus Martius Museum, located at Second and Washington Streets in Marietta, Ohio.

In 1989 the expanding collection was moved into two vintage railroad cars located in historic Harmar Village of Marietta. As the collection continued to grow, the museum began looking for a larger space. In 1996 The Children's Toy and Doll Museum purchased their present location. Extensive repairs, renovations, and redecoration were done by volunteers.

Today the Toy and Doll Museum continues to play an important role in preserving the history of Marietta, Ohio. Totally staffed by volunteers, the museum houses antique toys, vintage memorabilia, unique dollhouses, and much more.

Exhibits

Enter the foyer of the Children's Toy & Doll Museum and step back into history. We encourage you to leisurely browse each of our themed rooms. Read below for a short description of the treasures you'll find when you visit The Children's Toy & Doll Museum.

Dollhouse Rooms

Enter on your left and view a variety of new and old dollhouses. You'll find one of a kind fairy tale dollhouses including: Peter Pumpkin Eater, Old Lady in the Shoe, and Hansel & Gretyl.

Delve deeper and discover miniature replicas of Marietta landmarks. Wendelken's Grocery of Front St. was operated by three generations. Richard Hill donated an exact miniature replica of his great-grandfather's lawyer office which sat above one of Marietta's Front Street bars.

Oak Case Room

View cast iron toys and rare cast iron salesman samples. This room always contains a surprise. Our revolving collections change throughout the year.

Children's Playroom

Our youngest visitors enjoy hands-on toys and games, take a ride on Dr. William Jacoby's hand-carved carousel horse, and get to just be a kid.

Antique Doll Room

Harman and Margaret Blennerhasset entertain their guests, including the infamous Aaron Burr and daughter. This collection includes antique German doll furniture, vintage Barbies, and much more.

Transportation Room

Find all types of toy transportation: boats, carts, and even two large horses. Covered in real horse hair, these treasured toys were made in Argentina.

Sally Hille Library

Here you'll find reference books and memorabilia furnished by our founder for visitors to enjoy.

International Room

Mrs. Patty Spence Luddy of Parkersburg, West Virginia, collected international dolls during her world travels. We're honored to display her collection in our International Room.

Circus Room

Our newest exhibit contains a portion of an extensive miniature circus. Marvel at the handmade scale model circus wagons, hand carved acrobats and animals, plus antique circus toys and vintage circus posters.

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