A significant piece of television history arrived in Rochester on March 2, as the Strong National Museum of Play took ownership of a large “Wheel of Fortune” puzzle board that was utilized on the beloved game show until 1997. The board, which made the journey across the country over six days, is notable for its manual letter-turning mechanism, a feature that required co-host Vanna White to operate before the show switched to digital displays.
Due to its size, the museum faced an architectural challenge, temporarily removing a section of a wall to accommodate the board’s entry. The moving process involved meticulous planning; a forklift was necessary to maneuver the puzzle board into the museum, which took several hours to complete. On arrival, the board was carefully placed onto a dolly and uprighted after the removal of shipping braces.
This impressive artifact is on loan to the Strong Museum for 25 years and will be a key feature in a forthcoming exhibit, “Beyond the Buzzer,” set to debut in spring 2028. This 5,000-square-foot exhibition will delve into the history and cultural influence of American game shows, capturing the essence of these popular pastimes that have entertained audiences for decades.
“Wheel of Fortune,” created by Merv Griffin, has been captivating viewers since it first aired on January 6, 1975, and continues to be a staple in television programming, airing locally at 7 p.m. on WROC-TV (Channel 8).
The Strong Museum of Play has a rich history of acquiring iconic game show memorabilia, such as a Showcase Showdown wheel and a Magic Number cabinet from “The Price Is Right,” a giant Zonks phone from “Let’s Make a Deal,” and a “Jeopardy!” contestant podium used in the late 90s. The addition of the “Wheel of Fortune” puzzle board only enhances the museum’s commitment to preserving and showcasing the cultural significance of game shows in American entertainment history. Visitors can look forward to an exciting exploration of the impact of these shows when the new exhibit opens.