The History of Marx Toy Museum

In 1998, the dream of toy collector, Francis Turner, to create a museum dedicated to Marx toys took its first step with the purchase of a 1950's grocery store building in Moundsville, West Virginia.  For the next two years, Francis Turner and his family remodeled this old building into a museum dedicated to Marx toys.

In 2000, The Official Marx Toy Museum of Glen Dale, West Virginia opened its doors to the public.  At that time, the museum was owned and operated by Francis Turner and displayed a portion of his personal collection.  For over 10 years, the museum shared the history, beauty, and quality of Marx toys with its visitors - including toy collectors, former factory workers, and generations of now grown-up children who wanted to relive childhood memories.

In 2010, Francis Turner and his family received the encourage and support to finally develop the museum into a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.  For nearly 14 months, Francis Turner and the newly established MTM Board of Directors developed the Marx Toy Museum organization.  In June 2011, the Marx Toy Museum was approved as a non-proft 501(c)(3) organization.

In July 2011, the Marx Toy Museum took over operation of The Official Marx Toy Museum of Glen Dale, West Virginia and will assume the mission and ongoing operation of the museum.  As a public charity, the Marx Toy Museum exists under the direction of a board of directors and the support of the local, nostalgic, and collectors community who recognize the importance of preserving the history of Marx.

The Marx Toy Museum is working to insure the history of Louis Marx the man, the Marx company and factories, and the iconic Marx toys will be preserved and shared with th public for future generations. 

The Marx Toy Museum, Inc is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization under the direction of a Board of Directors with the support of an Advisory Board - all dedicated to a mission. 

The Mission of the Marx Toy Museum is accomplished through the collection and display of Marx toys, photographs, personal accounts, written documentation, and production related pieces - made accessible to the public through the ongoing operation of the Marx Toy Museum.

 Mission Statement: 

The Marx Toy Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of Marx toys, the passion and genius of Louis Marx, and the talents and creativity of the Men and Women who dedicated their lives to toy production.

The Marx Toy Museum provides an opportunity for former Marx employees to reminisce hours of labor, for families to renew and share childhood memories, and for Marx enthusiasts to gather and admire the creativity and quality of Marx toys. 

The Marx Toy Museum shares with visitors the history of Louis Marx & Co and Marx toys, the legacy of Louis Marx the Man, the stories of Factory Workers, and identifies the industrial and historical significance of Louis Marx & Co in the community.