CHILDREN’S TOY AND DOLL MUSEUM – Marietta
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Children’s Toy and Doll Museum
206 Gilman Ave., Marietta, OH
740.373.5900| Facebook.com/childrenstoyanddollmuseum
Admission
After years of being displayed in two train cars, and with the help of many volunteers and donations, this special collection of dolls and toys, have found a permanent spot in an 1889 Eastlake/Queen Anne style home in Harmar Village.
Each space in the nine rooms is filled with special collections and exhibits. The doll collections include celebrity dolls, like Shirley Temple, pioneer dolls, dolls dating back to the 1800’s, Madame Alexander First Lady Dolls, Gone with the Wind collections, and more.
Older Disney toys, GI Joe’s, metal trucks, and other special exhibits can be found throughout the museum, including a Presidential PEZ display. The day I visited, the museum was hosting a private collection of Windup Toys from the early 20th century through the 1960’s. Around every corner you will find dolls and toys beautifully displayed, along with their descriptions.
Probably my favorite pieces in the museum were the unique doll houses, including the “Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater” and the “Old Lady in the Shoe”. Having just visited their home on the island, the Harman and Margaret Blesserhasset dolls, including the notorious Aaron Burr made by a Virginia doll maker, along with a replica of their home were also fascinating. The child in me enjoyed the circus room which was filled with a collection of handmade scale model circus items, including a very unique working Ferris Wheel.
In the Christmas Tree transportation room, you will find a delightful display of rocking horses, doll houses, teddy bears and holiday dolls. There is a playroom set-up in the museum just for children. A special place where they are encouraged to touch.
If you love dolls and old toys, a stop at the museum should be on your itinerary.
My Ohio Fun Road Trip Notes:
The museum is open May – October, Saturday & Sundays from 1pm-4pm.
Please call ahead or visit their Facebook page to confirm dates and times.
Displays may change.
Before you go:
Visit marietta.org to view their Travel guide, request a FREE copy, and/or to check out their list of Itineraries.
Washington County Convention and Visitor Bureau
241 Front Street Suite 7, Marietta, Ohio 45750
740.373.5178 or 1.800.288.2577 | marietta.org
What to bring:
A camera. Always pack a cooler for those perishables you may find along the way. Bring appropriate shoes for any outdoor hiking or adventures.
Read the book:
The Heroic Story of the Settlers- THE PIONEERS by David McCullough.
A perfect book to read as you explore the history of Marietta and the pioneers who settled there.
PIONEER TRAIL STOPS
Campus Maritus Museum
601 Second St., Marietta, OH
740.373.3750 | mariettamuseums.org/campus-martius
CLICK HERE to learn more.
Blennerhasset Island State Park
137 Juliana St., Parkersburg, WV
304-420-4800 | blennerhassettislandstatepark.com
CLICK HERE to learn more.
Belpre Farmers Castle Museum
509 Ridge St. Belpre, OH
740.423.7588
Children’s Toy and Doll Museum
206 Gilman Ave., Marietta, OH
740.373.5900 | facebook.com/childrenstoyanddollmuseum
Henderson Hall Plantation
517 Old River Rd., Williamstown, WV
304-375-2129 | hendersonhallwv.com
Henry Fearing House
131 Gilman Ave., Marietta, OH
740-373-9437
Hidden Marietta Tours
424 George St., Marietta, OH
740-590-1987 | hiddenmarietta.com
Historic Marietta Trolley Tours
241 Front St., Marietta, OH
740-350-9852 | Facebook
Ohio River Museum (2024 update. Temporarily closed for construction.)
601 Front St., Marietta, OH
740-2\2-3750 | mariettamuseums.com
Oliver Tucker Museum
401 5th St. Beverly, Ohio
740-509-0640 | olivertuckermuseum.com
Peoples Mortuary Museum
408 Front St., Marietta, OH
740-373-1111 | cawleyandpeoples.com
Scott’s Super Adventures
Historic Marietta Segway Tours
740-516-0002
The Castle
418 Fourth St., Marietta, OH
740-373.-4180 | mariettacastle.org
Valley Gem Sternwheeler Narrated Sightseeing Cruise
601 Front St., Marietta, OH
740-373-7862 | valleygemsternwheeler.com
Veterans Gallery
40 Orchard Dr., Little Hocking, Ohio
740-989-2271 | facebook.com/thomasstahlgalleryofarts
I would like to thank the Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau for being such a gracious host and planning all my itinerary.
Article and photos by: D. Rock, MyOhioFun.com
Any use of the above article or images without prior permission, will be in violation of copyright laws.
***Disclosure: The Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau paid for my day of touring and overnight accommodations. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***
