A new group was formed to bring nostalgia and childhood back to students through The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

  The new student advisory group for The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures has one goal–increase student engagement. Earlier this semester, professors at UMKC handpicked certain students to be a part of a group to encourage the student body to visit the museum through hosting monthly events. 

  Samantha Carr, a senior majoring in art history, is serving as the project manager for their upcoming event and had never been in the museum until joining the group. She explained that she wasn’t sure if she would be interested in being involved, but the staff and toys have made it worth it. 

  “You see these big showcases of these toys that you might have not thought about in years and  you’re able to be transported back to your childhood and get those feelings again,” said Carr. “So often the passion of the staff and people around you is what can make something so memorable and amazing for you.”

  The museum, located on 52nd Street at the top of the hill, offers free access for UMKC students plus an additional guest, but Carr said many students don’t even know the building is there. She listed factors that may contribute such as it being secluded, near the Epperson House which is closed to public access and the hectic lives of college students. 

 “Students are so stressed and running around that they feel like they wouldn’t have time to be able to appreciate that museum environment,” said Carr. “I think it would have the opposite effect of what they think it would have, where instead of taking away from their time, it would be a way for them to unravel and embrace the nostalgia of it all.”

  Rachel Wathen, a museum educator and one of the driving forces behind the group’s formation, said that the museum wants to serve UMKC students. She recognized that some may be hesitant to visit or don’t feel like they are museum-goers, but she encouraged them to just go one time. 

  “I’m not just saying this because I work here, that if you come you will be amazed, because this is such a unique collection, and we want to be connected to students,” said Wathen. “There are a lot of wonderful things about being a young person that you can bring to these types of institutions that not only do you benefit from, but the institutions benefit from as well.”

 Wathen said that the museum can be a resource for students, but it can also be an environment for relaxation and familiarity. This is why the group is hosting “Rewind and Replay: Game Night + Show and Tell” on May 9 at the museum. 

   “One of our missions at the museum is to educate, inspire and delight, and we want students to feel that delight and that playfulness,” said Wathen. “It’s an opportunity for people to go back to show and tell from school where you get to bring in your favorite toy from your childhood and come share about it.” 

    Everett Dufur, a work-study student and a member of the group, said that students interested in joining the group should reach out or come to the upcoming event. He said the museum has something for everyone and that he is excited to share one of his favorite toys at the event, a Lego Bionicle.

  “The toys cover every generation all the way from historical German toys to modern stuff. We’ve got American Girl dolls and Zuzu pets– the classic stuff that me and my sister grew up with,” said Dufur. “People can register beforehand and provide some information about their item that they’re bringing. It could be any kind of toy that they’re nostalgic about that they might have a story to share.”

  To find out more about “Rewind and Replay” on May 9 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., click here. To learn more about the museum, click here. 

  alwnmg@umsystem.edu