National Museum of Play Recognition Act

House Bill

H.R. 235

119th Congress

National Museum of Play Recognition Act

In Committee

Introduced:Jan 7, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Frederica S. Wilson

Representative

Democratic

FL-24

Cosponsors

1

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Arts, Culture, Religion

Summary

This bill designates the Margaret Woodbury Strong Museum in Rochester, New York as the National Museum of Play. The Strong Museum houses one of the largest collections of toys, dolls, and games in the world and is home to the National Toy Hall of Fame. The designation recognizes the museums unique focus on the importance of play in learning and development. This federal recognition does not provide funding but offers official national status to this cultural institution.

Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill designates the Margaret Woodbury Strong Museum in Rochester, New York as the National Museum of Play. The Strong Museum houses one of the largest collections of toys, dolls, and games in the world and is home to the National Toy Hall of Fame. The designation recognizes the museums unique focus on the importance of play in learning and development. This federal recognition does not provide funding but offers official national status to this cultural institution.

Last updated: 1/4/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

National Museum of Play Recognition ActThis bill designates the Margaret Woodbury Strong Museum in Rochester, New York, as the National Museum of Play.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Designates Strong Museum as National Museum of Play
Located in Rochester, New York
Home to National Toy Hall of Fame
Houses extensive toy and game collections
Provides federal recognition without funding

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

For the Strong Museum: National recognition and prestige. For Rochester, NY: Enhanced cultural tourism attraction. For visitors: Elevated status for this unique institution. For play research: Recognition of importance of play in development. For museums: Model for specialized cultural designations.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Arts, Culture, Religion

Related Subjects

Museums, exhibitions, cultural centers

New York State

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

235, 119th Congress (2025). "National Museum of Play Recognition Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-235