On This Day

Barbie Makes Her Debut

March 9, 1959, the first Barbie doll goes on display at the American Toy Fair in New York City.

The woman credited with the creation of Barbie was Ruth Handler, who co-founded Mattel, Inc. with her husband, Elliot, in 1945.

Barbie was named after Ruth's daughter, Barbara.

In 1961, Mattel release a boyfriend for Barbie, Ken, named after her son.