Strong Museum: Butterflies and Antique Toys

The Strong Museum was founded by Margaret Woodbury Strong, a prolific collector of everyday objects, especially dolls and toys, in 1968. She died in 1969 and left her estate to support the museum. Fourteen years later, a 156,000-square-foot building opened on 13 acres in downtown Rochester, New York.

Margaret was a friend of my maternal grandparents. I remember them telling me about her and her doll collections. They were collectors, as well, and used to tell me I should introduce myself to some of the folks up there. This was when I was in my late twenties, and before they died. Following is a photo of Margaret:

Twenty-seven years later, I finally paid a visit to the facility, which has morphed into a combination historical museum and an interactive museum of play for children.

Daughter Allison accompanied me last Saturday. We were most interested in the butterfly house, and as you can see, I got many shots of these beautiful creatures. I don't know their names, sadly, but perhaps some of you can help with that?

Here is a shot of the outside of the butterfly house:

And here are photos from the butterfly exhibit and the collections. Most of these aren't very well composed, but they were taken on the fly as a lark. So - don't expect photographic greatness here! LOL.

Allison with a friend on her shoulder!

Black with Orange - I wish I knew the names of these beauties - if you know, let me know in the comments and we'll add the names later!

Black with white squares

Black with ice blue and orange dots

Moth on orange flower

"Blue eyes"

Coffee colored with salmon accents

Amazing hues of the crysalis

"Yellow eyes"

Tan and brown

Black with pink

White with black