Historic Toys

During the Revolutionary War, the bugle came to be used as a signal instrument to communicate with soldiers. Although fifes were also used, the bug...

The tin whistle, or penny whistle, is a small, high-pitched whistle flute that has 6 finger holes. Similar to a recorder, it was a popular and inex...

Martha Washington's Fan was used in the eighteenth century as a cooling tool during hot summer days and a means of silent communication. Our paper ...

George Washington, America's first spymaster, considered the accumulation of secret intelligence one of the most important weapons in winning the w...

Set of 5 wooden dice in keepsake 3 ½” x 1” wooden box with practical slide top. Great size to easily hide away in your pocket or bag and play your ...

George Washington, America's first spymaster, considered the accumulation of secret intelligence one of his most important weapons on the battlefie...

When young George Washington sized up his talents and abilities, he discovered that surveying (a way of measuring an amount of land) was a perfect ...

By the 18th century, the sale of playing cards in America was so profitable, they were specifically targeted by the Stamp Act. George Washington is...

In 1693, educator John Locke recommended the use of alphabet dice so that "children may be cozen'd into a knowledge of letters without perceiving i...

The Hazard dice game originated in England and was exported to the American colonies where it developed into the game Craps.  The dice game is pack...

In 2016, the Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington acquired an assortment of more than 500 items dating from 1856 to 19...

This toy drum, inspired by the ones used in the Revolutionary War, is a perfect gift for your history-loving child or for assembling their historic...