Welcome to the Museum of Yo-Yo History

You’ve stumbled upon the most extensive collection of yo-yo images, historical treasures, and fascinating tidbits ever assembled. Whether you’re a seasoned yo-yo collector with decades of dedication or simply searching for that elusive childhood favorite, you’ve come to the right place. Our carefully curated, searchable archive is brimming with photos and detailed descriptions of everything from rare vintage yo-yos to the latest designs, clothing, patches, artwork, and compelling stories about the legendary figures who’ve shaped yo-yo history.

At our museum, every piece we display carries a fragment of the tale behind the world’s most beloved and enduring toy. These relics, whether they be a humble wooden yo-yo from the early 1900s or a limited-edition design from a modern master, connect us all to a shared joy that transcends time.

We’re proud to showcase 3,926 exhibits—and that number is growing! Each visit promises something new, so we invite you to come back often and explore what’s fresh.

For the dedicated collectors, we have a special invitation: become part of our museum’s story. You can join our team as a curator by filling out the simple form on the left. Together, let’s continue to piece together the fascinating history of the yo-yo and ensure that no artifact, no story, goes untold.

If you’re seeking information about a vintage collectible or wondering where to find buyers, we’re here to help. Reach out to us anytime with your questions and thoughts at [email protected]. We’re thrilled to be part of your yo-yo journey and can’t wait to hear from you.

We’re proud to showcase 3,926 exhibits—and that number is growing! Each visit promises something new, so we invite you to come back often and explore what’s fresh.

For the dedicated collectors, we have a special invitation: become part of our museum’s story. You can join our team as a curator by filling out the simple form on the left. Together, let’s continue to piece together the fascinating history of the yo-yo and ensure that no artifact, no story, goes untold.

If you’re seeking information about a vintage collectible or wondering where to find buyers, we’re here to help. Reach out to us anytime with your questions and thoughts at [email protected]. We’re thrilled to be part of your yo-yo journey and can’t wait to hear from you.

Patents & Resources

  • Yo-Yo Collecting as a Hobby FAQ
  • Glossary of terms (Transition, prototype, Mod, transaxle, etc.)
  • List of Yo-Yo Patents (PDF, updated 08/15) by Rick Brough
  • References & Articles
    • Articles in PDF Format
    • PDFs of Books (out of print)
    • Resources – List of Articles and Books, in print and out.

History

  • Yo-Yo History
    • History of the Yo-Yo – Tom Van Dan Elzen
    • History of the Yo-Yo – Valerie Oliver
    • The Tom Kuhn Turbo-Yo

    Spin Top History
    • History of the Spin Top – Valerie Oliver

    Yo-Yo/Top Hybrid History
    • History of the Yo-Yo/Spin Top Hybrid – Tom Van Dan Elzen

About Us

This website exists with a heartfelt mission—to capture, preserve, and honor the rich history of the yo-yo. While we embrace other skill toys along the way, the yo-yo takes center stage as the world’s most beloved and timeless toy.

It all began as a vision from David W. Hall, affectionately known as “The Yo-Yo Collector.” With the technical brilliance of Grahame Wright, the Museum of Yo-Yo History was brought to life, aiming to become the ultimate hub for yo-yo enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.

In 1994, Dave hand-coded his very first website, “Dave’s Wonderful World of Yo-Yos,” pioneering the internet’s first site for collectors and the first virtual museum. Though simple by today’s standards, those early web pages still exist at yoyodave.com, a nostalgic glimpse into the origins of yo-yo collecting. This humble start paved the way for what would later grow into the vibrant Skilltoys.net community, encompassing a store, web forums, trick tutorials, and more. Every element of the Skill Toys Network traces back to that original yo-yo museum.

For years, Dave dreamed of revamping his museum, but the demands of life and technical hurdles stood in the way. It’s a poetic twist of fate that the very project that ignited his journey had been left behind—until now. Thanks to Grahame’s programming prowess, Dave’s dream has finally come full circle. The permanent online Yo-Yo Museum is no longer just an idea but a living, growing reality.

With an extensive yo-yo collection in hand and a dedicated curator program, our goal is to document every yo-yo, collectible, and piece of history we can find. This includes stories, patents, and articles that offer glimpses into the past. It’s a monumental task, and we know we can’t do it alone. But, step by step, with your participation and support, we hope to create the most comprehensive record of yo-yo history the world has ever seen.

This isn’t just a website—it’s a tribute to the enduring spirit of the yo-yo and the community that treasures it. With your help, this museum will evolve into an Encyclopedia of Yo-Yo History, preserving the magic for generations to come.