Toys before technology

Before television, video games and the internet, children and families entertained themselves with popular games of the time.

Families either played together or joined friends and neighbours to pass the time on rainy days or leisurely evenings.

Visit Armidale Folk Museum and find out what games children and adults played in the past. A selection of old pastimes is on display from board games, cards and parlour games, to ball games and toys.

“You might even recognise games we still play today,” Interim Museum Team Leader Hayley Ward said.

“Some board games that children played during the Victorian era were already centuries old, including checkers, chess, and backgammon.

“Many new board games were introduced in the 1800s, teaching children about geography, science, or history. Others taught children values such as good behaviour and hard work.”

Visitors to the new display could be inspired to create their own board game at home. Ask the museum attendant for an activity sheet to get started. 

The Toys Before Technology display will continue at the museum until 1 March 2020.

Armidale Folk Museum is open daily (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day) from 11am to 2pm. Entry by donation.

Published on 18 Dec 2019