Welcome to the History Tricks, where any resemblance to a boring old history lesson is purely coincidental.

And here is your 30-second summary.

Although she's made of plastic, this American icon has reflected the culture in which she grew up,

for better or for worse.

And in her teeny tiny cha-cha heels, she's walked straight into our hearts.

The End.

Let's talk about Barbie.

But first, let's drop her into history.

In 1959, Hawaii and Alaska became U.S. states.

Both of the clown and Disney sleeping beauty both premiered.

Motown records was formed, and Charles DeGal became president of France.

16-year-old Jimmy Hendrix played his first gig, and was subsequently kicked out of the band for his wild, unusual guitar playing.

Ella Fitzgerald won her first Grammy award at the first Grammy Awards.

And the Guggenheim Museum in New York City opened the same year its architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, passed away.

Also died that year, Cecil B. Demille, Buddy Holly, Billy Holiday, Lou Costello.

Born that year, where John McEnroe, Kevin Spacey, weird Al Yankovet, Emma Thompson, Flavor Flav, and Mike Pence.

I sense an epic dinner party.

And in 1959, a teen doll for little girls was introduced named Barbie.

And she began her journey to being an icon.

Barbie Millicent Roberts made her first public appearance on March 9, 1959, at the American Toy Fair in New York City, the brainchild of Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel.

She's one of 11 toys that made the first year of the Toy Hall of Fame.

She's an American icon as recognizable as Coca-Cola or the statue of Liberty.

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