Lane Dworkin Authors + Innovators Festival

Rochester’s Own

Stephen Jacobs Presents:
The History of Jews in the Toy and Game Industry

Forget about the Dreidel! For over two hundred years, first in Germany and then in the United States, Jewish “Game Changers” shaped the Western Industrialized toy, game, pinball, and video game businesses.

Join Professor Jacobs and learn about the significant impact Jews have had on the toy and game industry.  Before and during the World Wars, the U.S. Toy Industry was new, unregulated, and devoid of institutionalized antisemitism– unlike some older, more traditional industries that had official or unofficial policies restricting or preventing Jews from being admitted to college or hired in businesses and government. This made it a place where Jews could pursue opportunities and support their families.

Stick around after the talk and play a game!

Stephen Jacobs is a professor with the School of Interactive Games and Media and an interdisciplinary scholar who works in several different areas that often overlap including courses in game design, interactive narrative, and Free and Open Source Software and Free Culture. Professor Jacobs also holds the position of Visiting Scholar at The Strong National Museum of Play.

Tickets:

JCC Member: $8
Non-member: $10

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Location: JCC Auds