Holiday Exhibit: Moore Family Toy Santa Collection

In the lobby of the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum, from the Wreath Festival through the New Year, visitors will find the Moore Family Santa Dolls on display. As a yearly tradition that has continued for the last 17 years, the Museum has exhibited a small selection of the Moores’ collection — which comprises about 150 items in total — for the public to admire. These antique Santas come in various sizes, colors, and expressions. It’s hard to pick a favorite!

Santa Claus has long served as a Christmas icon. By the 20th century, Santa Claus had become so popular that many diverse toy manufacturers interpreted his likeness for a variety of uses. Most of the plush toy Santa figures featured in this exhibit date from the 1950s and 60s. Some figures are made of molded plastic, cast metal, rubber, or papier-mache and date earlier in the 20th century.

This exhibit is part of the Museum’s “Windows on Collections,” – A frequently changing exhibit of artifacts from the Museum’s growing collection. Depending upon any given theme, this exhibit ranges from the topical to the bizarre.