History of Childhood

In addition to home education, the village school of the 19th century played an increasingly important role. The focus of the presentation is the reconstruction of a historical classroom at the beginning of the 20th century. The exhibition area "Historical Toys" is divided into what is known as "educational toys," toys for boys, and toys for girls. Construction sets, optical toys, and steam engines introduced the children of the 19th and early 20th centuries to the world of adults in a playful manner. The technological advancement of everyday life led to the creation of a wide variety of toys primarily aimed at boys, with mobility of all kinds being at the forefront of interest. The exhibition showcases a cross-section of products from the most significant German toy manufacturers. Dolls, dollhouses, and kitchens, as well as plush toys, are central to the toys for girls. Among the plush toys, there is a teddy bear that was produced between 1945 and 1952 in a workshop in Salzgitter-Lebenstedt. Another segment of this department is dedicated to the "militarization of childhood." Rarely have children and adolescents been so prepared for an impending war with toys, books, and school materials as they were in the years between 1910 and 1945.