Press Release

The History Colorado Center kicks-off the 2015-2016 Lecture Series Season with “The Good, the Bad and the Barbie: How Ruth Handler Changed the Face of American Toys”

DENVER - In an eight-part lecture series entitled The World Around Us,  History Colorado highlights the fascinating, and sometimes quirky, stories behind this unique state. To kick-off the series, History Colorado presents the first lecture, “The Good, the Bad and the Barbie: How Ruth Handler Changed the Face of American Toys."

What better way to open the new lecture series season than to honor one of the most popular toys of all time: Barbie! Denver-native Ruth Handler created the Barbie doll after she and her husband started the Mattel toy company. Author Tanya Lee Stone explores how this iconic doll turned Mattel into one of the most successful toy companies in the world, and considers Barbie’s impact on American culture.  

After the lecture, explore the Toys of the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s Exhibit and learn more about the eras that created many classic American toys.

To set up an interview with the speaker, Tanya Lee Stone, call (303) 866-3670

To purchase tickets go to http://www.historycolorado.org/adult-visitors/lectures

Where: History Colorado Center 1200 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203

When: Monday, September 21 at 1-2pm & 7-8pm

Why:  At times, the ideas, people and reputation of Colorado transcend its borders and engender transformative changes in the wider society. Other times, outside forces influence Colorado in ways large and small. Explore Colorado’s history, culture, and landscapes through the 2015-2016 Lecture Series and share the stories that make Colorado one-of-a-kind.

What’s Next: The next lecture is “The Story of Colorado’s State Symbols” on Monday October 19

For more information about the lecture series, contact Shannon Haltiwanger, shannon.haltiwanger@state.co.us, (303) 866-2049.

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History Colorado's mission is to inspire generations to find wonder and meaning in our past and to engage in creating a better Colorado. We serve as the state's memory, preserving the places, stories, and material culture of Colorado through our museums, educational programs, historic preservation grants, research library, collections, and outreach to Colorado communities. Find History Colorado on all major social media platforms. Visit HistoryColorado.org or call (303) HISTORY for more information.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Shannon Haltiwanger
Public Information Officer | Preservation Communications Manager