Building Blocks for the Future

The proposed permanent location of the Museum in Southampton will be a wonderful year-long place for children of all ages and promises to be as educational as it will be entertaining.  It will feature permanent displays of unrivaled private collections such as the Orson Munn Collection, one of the largest toy soldier collections in America; and a world class collection of doll house miniatures that were collected over 75 years by Bob Milne, a second cousin of “Winnie the Pooh” author A.A. Milne. Mr. Milne, who is now in his 80s, is also a recognized expert on miniatures, having been a contributing writer on miniatures for several publications.  The Museum will also continue to curate and feature special touring exhibitions as well as educational programs, preserving the original mission of the Museum.  The planned on-site gift and book shop will be a superb shopping destination for discovery and educational toys as well as a resource for children’s and archival books in the Village. 

Continuing the dream of Founder and Executive Director Marlene Hochman and a handful of carefully selected board members who shared her passion and vision, the museum has provided a home for beloved childhood toys and at the same time, established it as the first-ever educationally-based toy museum in New York City.  With the continued leadership and passion of the founders, the Museum is now becoming a labor of love for many Southampton residents too who want to give the touring museum a permanent home.  Together, the benefactors will share the joy and wonder of a premiere toy museum with members of the community and visitors to Southampton from all over the world. It is our hope that Museum will continue to chronicle the rich history of America and expand its mission in its new home for generations to come.

The Honorable Mayor Mark Epley of Southampton Village, Marlene Hochman, Museum Founder, Mrs. Maryann Epley at the home of Orson Munn