Sandwiched between the much larger Baby Boomer and Millennial generations, the members of Generation X (those born between 1965-1980) have variously been called the “middle child generation,” the “slacker generation,” the “MTV generation,” the “latchkey generation,” and “the least parented, least nurtured generation in U.S. history.” With minimal adult supervision in their lives, this generation’s childhood toys, technology, and media had an outsized role in their development.

This presentation takes close look at toys, technology, and cultural touchstones that informed the development of Generation X. This talk will dig into the social, cultural, and historical factors behind the conditions and objects that surrounded this generation in everyday life, including the rise of divorce and single parent families; the low-grade existential fear produced by the Cold War; the war on drugs and the AIDS crisis.

The presentation will include images of objects, vintage photographs, and advertisements. Dialogue and discussion will be an important part of this presentation, and attendees will have ample opportunities to share their memories and insights as well as engage in cross-generational discussions.

Erika Holst is the Curator of History at the Illinois State Museum. Her most recent exhibition, on view in 2023, is Growing Up X, an exploration of the toys, technology, and cultural touchstones that shaped Generation X. Erika has worked in the public history field for more than 15 years, during which time she has curated more than a dozen exhibitions. She is passionate about sharing stories of people and history through material culture. Before joining the Illinois State Museum, Erika served as Curator of Collections at the historic Edwards Place in Springfield, IL.

Erika’s publications include Wicked Springfield: Crime, Corruption, and Scandal During the Lincoln Era; Edwards Place: A Springfield Treasure; and Historic Houses of Lincoln’s Illinois, as well as several scholarly and popular articles. She holds an MA from the Winterthur Program in Early American Culture and a BA from Illinois Wesleyan University.