1. On March 9, 1959, the Barbie doll made its debut at the American International Toy Fair in New York City. Created by Ruth Handler, the co-founder of Mattel, Barbie quickly became one of the most iconic and popular toys in history, revolutionizing the doll industry and shaping cultural perceptions of femininity and beauty.
3. On March 18, 1959, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Hawaii Admission Act, officially admitting Hawaii as the 50th state of the United States. This event marked the culmination of a long process of political and cultural integration for Hawaii and its diverse population.
A selection of limited edition prints from 1959: