Yesteryear Funland Traveling Toy Museum
(419) 502-6001
Let Us Bring Those Childhood Memories to You!

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Over 30 Themed Exhibits to choose from!

Visit our Multiple Themed Exhibits Page, and Holiday Exhibits Page to see our exciting list!

Discounts available when you book four (4) Themed Exhibits or Hands On Activities. 

Visit Our Exhibit Package Pricing Page for more information.

2024 Quarterly Themed Exhibits 

Now taking reservations for 2024 private appearances!

January 1st - March 31st

The History of Fast-Food Restaurants & Premium Toys 

April 1st - June 30th

What's In The Box? The History of Cold Cereals, Mascots & Premium Toys.

July 1st - September 30th

Myths, Legends, & Truths! Toys Inspired by Greek Gods, Elusive Creatures & The Bible

October 1st - December 10th

Jump Jive An' Wail! Toys Inspires by Popular Musicians

For More Exciting Toy Experiences, Visit Our Multiple Themed Exhibits Page.

To become more acquainted with our operations, visit our policies page for more information, and cancelations.

Contact our office for a spectacular journey down memory lane.

Monday - Friday 9 AM to 3 PM

Office: 419-502-6001 

Email: yesteryearfunland@aol.com 


Let Us Bring Those Childhood Memories To You!

Yesteryear Funland LLC is a traveling toy, game, prop and memorabilia museum home based in North Central Ohio.

The museum is privately owned by Founder/Head Curator Shawn Butler, established in late 2018.

The museum headquarters is operated out of Shawn's home, a 1948 all metal porcelain coated Lustron, built by the Lustron Corporation of Columbus, Ohio. 

His private collection features thousands of toys from around the world, dating the early 1900's to present.

The museum currently hosts over 30 themed exhibits, with the added bonus of multiple hands-on activities. 

Our programs have captivated audiences of all ages!

Each programs last one (1) hour, full of back stories, toy history, trivia questions, and a short video/documentary pertaining to the theme.

Clients are able to choose an educational exhibit, a hands-on activity, or both.

Yesteryear packages are great for:
Anniversaries, Assisted Living Facilities, Banquets, Birthdays, Conventions, Libraries, Memory Care Facilities, Organizations, Private Parties, Receptions, Schools, Senior Centers, Weddings, and other special occasions.

Yesteryear Funland LLC is a registered trade name, operating under IRS #84-2001943, and respects all associated properties and trademarks of its private collection.

The collection is used for educational purposes under "the Fair Use Act", section 107 Federal Copyright Law.

No funds are used to acquire collectables.

To become acquainted with Yesteryear Funland, visit our themed packages, travel distance, and policies pages for information, and cancelations. 
About Us image

Quarterly Themed Exhibit Packages $175.00

Our Quarterly Themed Exhibit Packages Run from January 1st to December 10th. Every quarter a specific theme is selected from our archive. Includes: An exciting curation of toys, toy history, back stories, trivia, and a video/documentary pertaining to the theme. Various exhibits may include the occasional prop, dioroma, and childhood memorabilia. Event Duration: 1 hour Please see our Upcoming Year of Themed Exhibits! Additional fees may apply if outside our normal 60 mile traveling distance of service. Please see our Travel Distance page for further information.

Multiple Themed Exhibit Packages $200.00

Planning & Preparing an appearance is a process! We at Yesteryear Funland want all of our spectators to have the best childhood experience possible. Please schedule an appearance 2 months in advance, allowing us to carefully pull each item from our archive and prepare for travel. Multiple Themed Exhibit Packages Includes: An exciting curation of toys, toy history, back stories, trivia, and a video/documentary pertaining to the theme. Various exhibits may include the occasional prop, dioroma, and childhood memorabilia. Event Duration: 1 hour Please see our Multiple Themed Exhibits page to see what childhood memories awaits you! Additional fees may apply if outside our normal 60 mile traveling distance of service. Please see our Travel Distance page for further information.

Special Themed Exhibits $300.00

Special Themed Exhibits can be requested. Please allow 3-4 months for planning and preparation. Just like our Quarterly & Multiple Themed Exhibits, our Special Themed Exhibits Includes: An exciting curation of toys, toy history, back stories, trivia, and a video/documentary pertaining to the theme. Various exhibits may include the occasional prop, dioroma, and childhood memorabilia. Event Duration: 1 hour Additional fees may apply if outside our normal 60 mile traveling distance of service. Please see our Travel Distance page for further information.

Discounts

Clients who book four (4) appearances in the same physical year save $25 per exhibit and/or hands-on activity.

Water Palooza Package $150.00

Water Palooza! A fun way to have outdoor summer fun with your friends and family. We have multiple Super Soakers to choose from, small, medium, and large, including water balloon grenades. Package Duration 1 Hour 30 min

Battlebots Tournament Package $150.00

An Ultimate Battle! You and your guests are in a battle to the death! Choose from one of our many robots! Just like the TV show Battlebots, each robot is equipped with a unique feature that will bash, smash, and crash all their way to the finally. Each tournament is a process of elimination. Each player is required to wear safety glasses to participate. Package Duration 1 hour 30 minutes

Die-Cast Racing Package $125.00

You and your guests will have fun ripping, and roaring down our custom made 40' track, full of twists, turns, and hills. Die-cast cars, and trucks are provided! Choose from our long selection of Hot Wheels, Matchbox, and Maisto. Guests are welcome to use their own die-cast vehicle. All races are conducted as a process if elimination. 1st place trophy will be awarded, courtesy of Yesteryear Funland Rules and regulations will be explained prior to racing. Package Duration 1 hour 30 min

Easy Bake Oven Session Package $180.00

Express your creative baking talent with our Easy Bake Oven Session. At each baking session, there are several different models of Easy Bake Ovens from various decades, each with their own unique design. All Easy Bake Sessions come with mixing bowls, mixing spoons, a baking pan, pan retriever, cooking spray, and a small bottle of water. Frosting & Sprinkles Available! JUST ADD WATER! Choose from multiple pre-packaged baking ingredients. Each ingredient package comes with easy instructions. Please let us know of food allergies prior to session Package Duration 1 hour 30 min

Board Game Mania Package $150.00

Move Foward & Back! Step into the past with one of our many vintage board games. We have multiple versions of Monopoly, Trouble, Operation, Connect Four, and so much more... Package Duration 1 hour 30 min

RC Rally Package $160.00

ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, GO!! Have the time of your life competing for 1st place with our large RC Trucks. Our course is made of durable ridge flexible pipe, loaded with turns, and open areas for passing. About Our RC Trucks Our Horizon RC trucks come equipped with large tires, stand alone parts, and a durable long last battery. Although we like speed, each controller is set at a reasonable speed, to insures the safety of all who are watching on the side lines. Package Duration 2 hours

Beads Galore Package $110.00

Create unique one of a kind necklaces, bracelets, and charmes with a variety of colorful beads. Small children are required to have adult assistance when participating. Package Duration 1 hour 30 min

Nerf Wars Package $125.00

YOUR MISSION, SHOULD YOU CHOOSE IT! Seek out your target, and recover the opposing teams flag. Multiple Nerf guns to choose from, small, medium, and large. Thousands of Nerf bullets at your disposal. All participants are required to wear safety glasses. Package Duration 1 hour 30 min

Vintage Arcade Package $150.00

Have fun playing those awesome games from decades past! Take turns going head to head playing those classic games from Atari, Nintendo, and Sega. Over 1300 classic games to choose from, such as Pac-Man, Contra, and Sonic The Hedge Hog. Package Duration 2 hours

Carnival Night Package $200.00

Step Right Up, Don't Be Shy! Have a night of games and prizes! Are carnival games include, Cover The Spot, Spill The Milk, Nerf Shooting Gallery, Rubber Duck Matching Game, Ring Toss, Disc Drop and Carnival Stand-Ins for photo ops. Prizes can be provided by Yesteryear Funland for an additional fee, or by you the host. Package Duration 2 hours

Young Picasso Art Session $18 per person

Express your creative side with our Young Picasso Art Session. Color, Draw, and Paint, whatever you're heart desires. We supply all markers, paints, paper, and canvases. This package is priced per person. Please let us know the number of guest will be attending in advance. Package duration 1 Hour 30 Min.

Drone Obstacle Course Competition $150.00

Test your flying skills with our Drone Obstacle Course. The competition is a process of elimination! 1st Place Winner receives a prize! Each Participant must have a cellphone, and will be given a link to optimize drone camera. Each participant will receive a crash course prior to fly a drone. Each participant must sign a waver, stating they have been informed of all safety regulations, and guidelines when flying a drone. We supply all drones, and obstacle course equipment. Outdoor use only! Package Duration 2 hours

Disney Toy Box Speedway Tournament $150

Have a blast as you and others compete for the finish line, with one of our many Disney Infinity Characters. Tournament is a process of elimination! Winner receives a trophy Courtesy of Yesteryear Funland.

Tank Combat $180.00

Your next mission should you choose it, to seek out your enemy, and save the small town from annihilation! Each tank is 1:48 scale equipped with a target sensor that flashes when you hit your opposing target. All buildings are 1:48 scale, giving that realistic feeling of battling in a foreign land. All participants must sign waver before engaging in activity. Package Duration 1 hour 30 min.

Skylanders SuperChargers Tournament $150

Have a blast as you and others compete for the finish line, with one of our many Skylanders Characters. Tournament is a process of elimination! Winner receives a trophy Courtesy of Yesteryear Funland.

As a traveling toy museum, exhibitions take a lot of planning, and preparation to ensure our spectators have the best experience possible.
Our exhibitions are on a quarterly rotation, featuring toys and related pop culture celebrations.

Quarterly Schedule 

  • First Quarter January 1 - March 31
  • Second Quarter April 1 - June 30
  • Third Quarter July 1 - September 30
  • Fourth Quarter October 1 - December 10th. 
Extended Themed Exhibits
Please allow 2 months to carefully pull items from the archive, and prepare for travel.

Special Themed Exhibits
Please allow 3-4 month to plan and prepare.

Requesting An Appearance

To request an appearance, please contact our office.
Hours: Monday - Friday 9 AM - 3PM
Phone: (419)502-6001
Cell Phone: (419) 366-6179
Email:  yesteryearfunland@aol.com 

Type In Subject: Request An Appearance

In your email please supply all information including:
Name:
Date:
Time:
Personal Mailing Address:
Address Where The Exhibition Will Be Held:
Type of Event You Are Hosting:
Number Of People Attending:

Once we have your request, we will then contact you within 1-3 business days, to let you know availability, and begin the planning process.

Requesting An Appearance  image
Traveling Distance image
Yesteryear Funland travels all over Ohio including surrounding states of Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Our normal demographic area of travel is a 60 mile radius from our home base of Sandusky Ohio.

Note: Anything outside of our normal demographic area of travel is subject to additional travel fees.
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History

Yesteryear Funland began as a dream!

Over the past four decades, Founder/Head Curator Shawn Butler has amassed thousands of toys dating from the early 1900's to present, and continues to grow daily.

Prior to establishing Yesteryear Funland, Shawn was a successful Disc Jockey, for Streetplayers Emcee of Vermilion, and owner of his own Disc Jockey company, "Total Sound Entertainment."

For twenty four years, Shawn entertained thousands of people, performing hundreds of weddings.

In 2013, Shawn left the entertainment world to share his passion of toys with other enthusiasts.

In 2014, Shawn was recognized by local media and Fox 8 news for the largest Star Wars collection in North Central Ohio.

Over the next four years, Shawn invested his time, furthering his education that would take his passion for toy collecting to the next level.

He studied toy history and it's impact with children throughout the decades, including advanced studies in pop culture through various online courses provided by the Smithsonian.

To further the advancement of his adventure, Shawn attended creative writing, and small business courses through Terra Community College.

Following his education, Shawn created various themed programs entailed with multiple toys from his private collection.

In late 2018, Shawn established Yesteryear Funland LLC, a traveling toy, prop and memorabilia museum.

With his talent of being an Emcee, and educational background, Shawn delivers an amazing program that captivates audiences off all ages.

Today, with the help of his team, Shawn travels upon request, making appearances at Senior Centers, Assisted Living Facilities, Private Parties, Schools, Libraries, and Various Organizations.
Shawn has been an avid toy collector for most of his life!

His passion of toy collecting has touch the lives of many, bringing back those cherished childhood memories, and making long lasting friendship with other toy collectors.  

In his private collection, he has amassed over 20,000 pieces of Star Wars toys, props, memorabilia, & lifesize statues.

In 2014, Shawn's private Star Wars collection was recognized by Fox 8 News and local media, featured during Ohio's Bike Week in Sandusky Ohio as an attraction for motorcycle enthusiasts to stop and see his amazing collection on display in the downtown area. 

But Shawn's passion of toy collecting did not stop with Star Wars!

Over the course of many years, Shawn  collected various toys that were popular throughout the decades, spanning from the early 1900s to present.

Today, Shawn's private collection is an astounding 30,000 pieces and continues to grow each day.

Education

Prior to his graduation in 1990 from Perkins High School and Ehove Vocational School, Shawn founded his own Disc Jockey Company, "Total Sound Entertainment", where he entertained & performed thousands of weddings, private, and public events.

In 1995, Shawn partnered with Streetplayers Emcee and signed a two year contract with everyone's favorite amusement park, "Cedar Point" in Sandusky, Ohio, to entertain the guests while they waited in long lines to ride the roller coasters.

In 2013, Shawn hung up his microphone after 24 years of performing, and partnered with local Educational Science Director, Richard Gallagher, of the Sandusky Children's Museum.

Together they founded Padawan's Playground, a Non-Profit science based, hands-on children's museum, with the vision of being endorsed by LucasFilm & Disney.

In 2014, Padawan's Playground was recognized as an educational entity, by The George Lucas Foundation.

In 2015, Shawn & Richard partnered with the Cafaro Company, owners of the Sandusky Mall. With the Cafaro's generosity and support, they provided adequate space, where Shawn and the staff of Padawan's Playground were able to set up educational camps, hosted amazing events, and curated some of Shawn's private toy collection.

Sadly in the later part of 2017, due to hardships and businesses closing within the Mall, Padawan's Playground was forced to close indefinitely.

In early 2018, Shawn changed his approach to toy collecting, deciding to create the first Traveling Toy Museum.

After some great exposure at local venues, he founded Yesteryear Funland Traveling Toy Museum LLC in the later part of 2018.

Shawn furthered his passion of toy collecting, by attending online courses through the Smithsonian, studying toy history, and how it has impacted pop culture through the decades.

With his years of being a Disc Jockey, and knowledge of toys, Shawn delivers an amazing curation to all spectators. 

Shawn is also the the writer for the museum's social media page, sharing toy history, back stories, and the occasional trivia question.
Shawn Butler Founder & Head Curator image
John Zura Co-Founder image
John Zura

Born and raised in a suburbs of Sandusky Ohio, John was an adventurer, and a toy amasser!

Growing up in a family who respects our nations armed forces, and the love for amazing automobiles.

This lead to John's passion of collecting military and diecast toys, amassing hundreds of pieces throughout the decades for his private collection!

Today, John assists with the development of Yesteryear Funland exhibits by making various models, dioramas, and movie prop replicas.

Adding to which John travels to conventions, garage sales, and flee markets to find that next toy worthy of preservation and exhibition.


Education

Following his graduation from Perkins High School in 1991, John joined the United States Marine Corp., and was honorably discharged in 1996. He currently works for the Pittsburgh Paint Company in Huron Ohio.

As a second career, he assists Shawn with their traveling exhibition, sharing the highlights of their collection with children of all ages.

Richard Gallagher

Assistant Curator & Project Specialist

Richard Gallagher, also known as Mr. Gallagher or Mr. G, has been a longtime community activist and volunteer.  Mr. G has served in numerous non-governmental organizations in the Sandusky area.  Among those organizations served are the ‘Sandusky Community Celebrations Council’, the ‘Sandusky Academic Booster Club’, the ‘Sandusky Lions Club’, and the ‘Boys and Girls Club’. The most notable of these organizations was the ‘Sandusky Children’s Museum’, which Mr. G operated for 35 years delivering hands-on science activities throughout Erie County. Now retired, Mr. G continues his volunteer work as a member and treasurer of the ‘Friends of the Sandusky City Greenhouse’. He also acts as an assisting curator, and project specialist for Yesteryear Funland, using his knowledge to help create amazing displays and hands on activities for all to enjoy.

Steve Young

Assistant Curator

Steve was born in Ashland Ohio. Growing up in Loudonville Ohio, he graduated from Londonville High School in 1965. Over the course of 5 years, he studied and graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in Pharmacy. In 1970, he got his first pharmacist job at Gray Drugs. Over the course of 40 plus years, he worked also at King Drug, Rite Aid and now is happy in his retirement. As a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Steve met Shawn who is also a member, creating a wonderful and lasting friendship. After visiting an exhibit shown hosted by Shawn in 2015, Steve was amazed with not only the many toys and pieces of memorabilia on display, but Shawns knowledge of toy history and how it has impacted children through the decades. Steve loves being a small part of Yesteryear Funland Traveling Toy Museum, and looks forward to each appearance. Steve acts as an assisting curator, helping with setting up displays, and bringing various item closer for all to see. Testimony by Steve "I love seeing the many spectators who attend our showcases. It fills my heart with great joy and happiness, to watch everyone's faces "light up" as they relive their early days with their favorite toys."

David Willenger

Assistant Curator

David Willenger was born and raised in Sandusky Ohio, where he graduated from Sandusky High School in 1956. Follwing graduation, he attend Bowling Green State University where he received a degree in Chemistry. In 1960, he receive his first job at NASA as a chemist. Seven years later, he was hired by General Motors as their Chemist for composition in parts manufacturing retiring in 1992. Dave has a profound respect and interest in world history, and is fascinated with the vast history behind toys. He now is an assistant Curator with Yesteryear Funland, and enjoys meeting the wonderful spectators while on Tour. Dave is a devoted loving husband, father, and grandfather. He is also a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Sandusky Ohio. He praises God for all the blessings in his life, and desires that all would have the assurance of eternal life through faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ.

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Toy Donations

Yesteryear Funland appreciates all toy, game, and child memorabilia donations!

By donating you not only show your support, you assist us with our search for toys and/or games that deserve to be preserved and exhibited for all to enjoy.

If you have a special toy, toys, games, an entire collection, or childhood memorabilia you wish to donate, please email us at yesteryearfunland@aol.com or call our office at
(419) 502-6001.

We also encourage toy collectors to share there collections, by loaning to Yesteryear Funland.

For sharing your toy or collection you will receive a Yesteryear Funland toy exhibition certificate, and recognition next to your display. If you are interesting in loaning to the museum, please  email us at yesteryearfunland@aol.com about your collection. 

Thank you for your support

Disclaimer

Clients of Yesteryear Funland are required to read and understand our policies page. By reading this page you acknowledge all of our scheduling requirements, rules, regulations, recommendations, cancellations, late policy, liability, and privacy policy.

Scheduling an Exhibition

Exhibitions are set up quarterly, unless otherwise specified. Exhibitions take a lot of planning and preparation to ensure our spectators have the best experience possible. Please allow 2 months for planning and preparations.

Please email us at yesteryearfunland@aol.com, and let us know what type of exhibition you are looking to host. Please supply all information including Date; Time; Name & Address of Place of Exhibition; and a brief description about your event.

Once we have your request, one of our planning department members will then contact you within 1-3 business days, and begin the planning process.

Children on Tours

Children ages 6 - 12 are not permitted in designated areas of exhibits without adult supervision. Children under the age of sixteen (16), and one supervising adult is required for every three (3) children under the age of thirteen (13). Larger groups of children such as school exhibitions will be broken up accordingly into several sessions, and additional adult supervision is required. Please advise your younger wards no touching allowed.

It has been our experience that children under the age of six (6) typically become bored, and loose interest really quick. Children who loose interest become fidgety and tend to disrupt the tour. We wish for our spectators to have the best experience possible. To encourage a quality tour we do not recommend children under the age of six (6) attend tours.

Indoor Exhibitions Only Policy!

Exhibitions must be held indoors and in a climate controlled environment!
Exposure to the elements can cause damage to the collection. Some of our collectibles are not replaceable.

Exhibition Spacing

Spacing is very important for our spectators to enjoy themselves and admire the exhibits and participate in fun activities. We ask that when you schedule an exhibition you allow adequate spacing per the number of people attending your event. Space Recommendations are listed on each package selections. Should you have larger crowd than listed, please contact our office for further recommendations.

Eat & Drinking

Yesteryear does not permit eating and drinking in the exhibit area. Persons with food or drink in hand will be asked to discard such items before the tour will begin. Receptions/banquet areas must be a minimum distance of 15 ft away from exhibit area.

Tour Rules


No bags and/or coats are allowed in exhibit area. Please do not touch or pick up any items in the collection unless handed to you by your guide. You are responsible for any damages you cause to the collection or equipment.

Cancellation/Rescheduling Policy

In the event you must cancel your exhibition, clients must contact our office 72 hours prior to their scheduled event.

Clients can rescheduled within the physical year. Please check our calendar page for availability.

Failure to contact Yesteryear Funland within 72 hours to cancel the scheduled appearance, will result in full payment as agreed upon when scheduling and invoices were created.

In the event Yesteryear Funland must cancel due to unforeseen circumstances or acts of God, such as illness, accident, injury, or death. We will do our best to accommodate and reschedule your event as soon as possible.

To cancel please contact our office directly at: (419)-502-6001 or Cell at: (419)-366-6179

Photography Policy

Questions, photographs, and video are allowed and encouraged.

Liability

Yesteryear Funland is not liable for injuries or losses over which it has no control. You are responsible for any and all damages you cause to the collection or equipment.

Privacy Policy

Your email address is kept private and you may unsubscribe at any time to our newsletters. We will never sell or share your address or use it for any purpose other than to communicate with you about Yesteryear Funland.
All Information, prices and policies are subject to change without notice. 

Intellectual Property

Yesteryear Funland LLC respects all associated properties and trademarks of its private collection. The collection is used for educational purposes under the "Fair Use Act", section 107 of Federal Copyright Law.

No funds are used to acquire collectibles.

For more information email yesteryearfunland@aol.com.