On display through January 5, 2003, "The Games We Played" was a playful exploration of board games as expressive documents of America's cultural history. More than 150 examples, displayed and interpreted for visitors of all ages, demonstrated how games entertained (and sometimes indoctrinated) American families from the end of the Civil War through the early years of the 20th century.

Among the games on display were several published by McLoughlin Brothers, including The Game of Bulls and Bears (1883), Round the World with Nellie Bly (1890), Rival Policemen (1896), and The Man in the Moon (1901).

The exhibit also featured interactive stations which allow visitors to play some 19th century board games, such as Milton Bradley's Checkered Game of Life (1866) and McLoughlin Brothers' The Game of Playing Department Store (1898).

Many of the games on display were published in New York City.

The New York Historical Society, 2 West 77th St. at Central Park West, is open to visitors Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit their Web site (see link under "Elsewhere on the Web" in the sidebar to the right) or call (212) 873-3400.

Boardgame news included here is culled from various sources, including official company press releases and Web sites.