Name: Bill Pugin: Fly on the Wall
Start: 2026-10-17
End: 2026-10-17

The Strong National Museum of Play is the ultimate play destination for all ages! Explore upstate New York’s largest year-round cultural attraction and experience two floors—more than a city block long—of hands-on, dynamic, interactive exhibit spaces. Discover the world's largest collection of toys, dolls, and games. Play your way through video game and pinball history, leap into the world of American comic book superheroes, and move like a playing piece on a giant game board. Enjoy a 1918 carousel; indoor, tropical butterfly garden; food court; diner; and more. Meet history’s playful side in The Strong’s three halls of fame. Go hands-on with the toys beloved by generations in the National Toy Hall of Fame; learn about toy industry luminaries such as Milton Bradley, Walt Disney, Jim Henson, and George Lucas of the Toy Industry Hall of Fame; and see how electronic games are changing the way people play, learn, and connect with each other in the World Video Game Hall of Fame. The Strong is open 362 days a year and is centrally located in Rochester, New York. Visit museumofplay.org or download The Strong Museum Guide mobile app to plan your visit today. Parking is available in the museum's garage for $5. ATM on site.

The Strong Museum

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Strong National Museum of Play - Rochester’s ultimate destination for hands-on fun and adventure for all ages

*This is a hybrid event, taking place in person at Writers & Books and online via Zoom. All registrants will receive a Zoom link in the registration confirmation email that is automatically sent to your email after checkout.*

For over five decades, Bill Pugin has stood at the crossroads of two languages and cultures—bridging communication between the Deaf and hearing worlds. In this heartfelt and often humorous memoir, Pugin takes readers on a journey from his small-town Southern childhood to the global stages and studios where he built a lifetime of stories as a sign language interpreter, performer, and advocate.

From his first exposure to American Sign Language through his Deaf sister, to interpreting alongside Oscar-winner Marlee Matlin, Fly on the Wall celebrates the beauty of connection, the art of interpretation, and the human spirit’s unshakable drive to be understood. Pugin’s reflections reveal not just the life of one man, but the evolution of a profession—and a culture—rooted in empathy, expression, and resilience.

A moving tribute to the Deaf community and a master class in compassion, this memoir is a must-read for anyone interested in language, accessibility, and the extraordinary power of understanding.

**Bill Pugin** believes people can master the skills of powerful communication by being open to life’s experiences and developing natural tools of social observation. Signing started Pugin on his road to discovery. His sister, Mary Anne, is deaf and his great affection toward her inspired him to learn sign language. He attended Gallaudet University, a university for the Deaf in Washington DC, where he completed his formal training in Sign Language Interpreting in 1979. Along the way, Bill earned certifications with the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, National Association of the Deaf, California Association of theDeaf, and numerous other awards and recognitions.

Bill has traveled the world providing exceptional sign language interpreting services for four U.S. Presidents, His Holiness The Dalai Lama, World Leaders and Entertainment Industry Icons. He founded The Sign Language Company in order to offer the industry a higher level of talent and service. Bill is ‘hands on’ with the day-to-day operations at The Sign Language Company, ensuring his company maintains the high standards and industry reputation he established over 35 years ago. He is also a published author having penned his memoir in recently released Fly on the Wall.

**Join the conversation! [Buy your copy at Ampersand Books today](https://ampersandbooks.org/book/9798994264904)**

Bill Pugin: Fly on the Wall

Stop by Flight Downtown and meet the new owner, see the beautiful changes and follow us on social media for entertaining events. Flight Downtown offers wines, beers, ciders and small plates. We will always have something new to try. During the nice weather, enjoy our delightful covered patio. Reach out to us for information on private events and fundraising. Cheers!

Flight Wine Bar Downtown

Every Monday, Flight gives 10% off your final bill.  Reservations are always encouraged.

Be transported around the world as you come face to face with Masai giraffes, red pandas, African elephants, a southern white rhino, California sea lions, and much more. Enjoy the brand new Animals of the Savanna, feed the giraffes, play in the Tropics Adventure Zone and enjoy the tram, which transports you from the front of the Zoo to the back. Your visit directly helps save animals from extinction, as you support the efforts of Seneca Park Zoo, a national leader in species survival and conservation action. Seneca Park Zoo is involved in conservation efforts locally and globally, including reintroducing lake sturgeon to the Genesee River, supporting reforestation in Madagascar, and more.

Seneca Park Zoo

Don't miss out on an unforgettable animal adventure! Get $2 off your admission to the Seneca Park Zoo and embark on a wild journey through our lush, animal-filled habitats.

X-Golf Pittsford is Rochester's newest golf simulator sports bar. With 8 simulators, a full bar, and a kitchen serving tasty upscale bites in a 7,000 square foot facility, X-Golf is the premier indoor golf spot in Rochester. X-Golf's state of the art indoor golf simulators offers players unparalleled accuracy and realism through a combination of camera systems, infrared lasers, impact sensors and advanced gaming software.

X-Golf Pittsford

Receive 30 minutes FREE when you purchase 90 minutes of play time. When booking your tee time, please book the full 2 hours.  The discount will be applied on-site at checkout.

Go-karts, mini-golf, arcade, café , birthday parties, corporate parties, family reunions, church groups, a great place for family fun & games! Clubhouse fun center is...intense fun for everyone!

Clubhouse Fun Center

More fun for less! Click the link to receive coupons for various activities and food options.

Visit Seabreeze Park – located between Lake Ontario and Irondequoit Bay. It’s the Finger Lakes Region’s #1 summertime family fun destination. Enjoy the excitement of four roller coasters, a classic wooden carousel, thrill rides, plenty of stuff just for the younger kids, a midway of food and games, outstanding live entertainment, plus a waterpark complete with a wave pool, tube slides, body flumes, a special kiddie section and more. Each summer, hundreds of groups let us do the work while they have all the fun. Whatever your group, corporate, community, camps and more -- you can save on a day of fun. We have discount pricing for groups of 15 or more on rides and picnic packages!

Seabreeze Amusement Park

Groups & Seabreeze go great together!  Explore these great group experience opportunities at Seabreeze.

Rochester, NY, is the third-largest metropolitan area in New York State, nestled along the southern shore of Lake Ontario. With a proud sports tradition, Rochester is home to iconic teams like the Rochester Red Wings (MiLB), Rochester Americans (AHL), Rochester Knighthawks (NLL), and Flower City Union (NPSL). Our vibrant sports culture thrives across all levels, from youth clubs and high schools to elite collegiate programs, creating a strong, year-round foundation for athletic excellence.

The Rochester NY Sports Commission champions Monroe County through the power of sports tourism. By attracting championships, invitationals, and tournaments across a wide range of disciplines, we help fuel the region’s economy and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Each year, Rochester welcomes a growing roster of sporting events, showcasing our top-tier facilities, supportive community, and dedication to teamwork on and off the field.

We invite event organizers, rights holders, and sports professionals to discover why Rochester and Monroe County are ideal destinations for your next competition or tournament. Let’s play in Rochester!