On March 9, 1959, the Barbie doll was introduced at the American Toy Fair in NYC. Known for her adult appearance, Barbie was created by Ruth Handler, who with her husband co-founded Mattel in 1945. Handler saw her own daughter lose interest in baby dolls, and she felt there was a niche for a toy that allowed little girls to imagine the future. Barbie was named for the Handler’s daughter. (Yes, Ken was the name of their son.)
