What is known today as the Toy Industry Association (TIA) was originally established on June 9, 1916 as the Toy Manufacturers of the U.S.A. On that day, an inaugural meeting of 46 toy manufacturers was held at the Hotel McAlpin in New York City to discuss the establishment of a trade association that would support U.S. toymakers, promote American-made products and encourage the sale of toys year-round.

Over the course of 100 years the Association has greatly evolved, undergoing two name changes (renamed Toy Manufacturers of America in 1996 and Toy Industry Association in 2001) and a significant expansion of its membership base. Today, TIA is made up of not just manufacturers but inventors and designers, retailers, licensors, distributors and more, representing companies both large and small, foreign and domestic. What has been constant over the decades is the Association’s commitment to member service, product safety, philanthropy, and educating families about the essential value of play.

Travel through time with TIA to learn more about its many milestones: click here to view TIA’s centenary timeline.