New URochester, Strong Museum partnership boosts play and game research

The University of Rochester and The Strong National Museum of Play have formalized a new partnership designed to elevate Rochester as a global center for play and game studies.  

The recently announced collaboration will expand research, education and community engagement opportunities by uniting the university’s academic strengths with The Strong’s internationally renowned collections and expertise. 

The university’s Warner School of Education & Human Development—through its Center for Professional Development and Education Reform—will serve as a key partner.  

Michael Daley, associate professor and director of the Center for Professional Development and Education Reform, said the goal is to help advance initiatives focused on learning through play, particularly in ways that ensure access, engagement and relevance for the broader community.   

“We are opening the door to new kinds of collaboration between educators, researchers and museum professionals,” Daley said. “Together, we can develop hands-on learning experiences that help students and community partners understand the many ways play shapes how we learn, connect and imagine what’s possible.” 

He noted that research on play extends beyond early childhood and offers benefits for adults of all ages, supporting cognitive health, creativity and curiosity. 

“Play is a verb,” Daley said. “It stretches the life span of human development.”  

Through the agreement, university faculty, staff and students will have new avenues to develop joint research initiatives, co-host academic conferences and create exhibits examining the cultural, historical and economic impact of play and games.  

The partnership will also support the university’s emerging degrees and academic programs with new courses, workshops, lectures and field trips anchored in the museum’s resources. 

As part of the collaboration, The Strong will provide special access to its collections—encompassing toys, dolls, games, video games and other artifacts—while hosting annual, staff-led field trips for URochester classes.  

The two organizations also plan to co-present at regional, national and international conferences, amplifying Rochester’s visibility in the play and games sector. 

Daley said the museum’s massive archive of play, games and toys is not only impressive, but it also provides valuable and various learning opportunities for those at the university.  

Leaders of both organizations agree, noting the partnership also positions Rochester as a magnet for scholars, designers and industry voices exploring the power of play-driven learning, creativity and innovation. 

“This partnership marks an important advancement in how we support interdisciplinary scholarship and deepen our engagement with the broader community,” said URochester Provost Nicole Sampson. “Collaborating with The Strong Museum allows us to expand opportunities for our students, faculty and staff to examine the role of play and games as powerful drivers of creativity, learning and innovation.” 

The Strong’s deep history of working with the university makes the partnership a natural next step. 

Jon-Paul Dyson, senior vice president for exhibits and interpretive resources at The Strong, said while the museum and university have worked together on many programs and projects over the years, this partnership opens exciting opportunities for students and staff at both organizations.

“Together, we can advance play and game studies, develop exhibits and programs and build Rochester as a truly global center for play,” he said.  

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