Philadelphia Doll Museum facts for kids
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| Established | 1988 |
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| Location | 2253 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
The Philadelphia Doll Museum is a special place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. You can find it on North Broad Street, which is part of the city's "Avenue of the Arts." This museum is unique because it's the only one in the United States that focuses on collecting and keeping black dolls. These dolls are seen as important pieces of history and culture.
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About the Museum
The Philadelphia Doll Museum was started by Barbara Whiteman in 1988. She loves collecting black dolls and believes in learning about and saving black history. Ms. Whiteman explains that these dolls are more than just toys. They represent the fight for freedom and human dignity.
Each doll tells a story of truth and strength. These stories are important for understanding the history and feelings of Black people. Together, the dolls show how Black people have been seen throughout history.
What You Can See
The museum has over 300 dolls on display for visitors to enjoy. Its full collection includes about 1,000 dolls. These dolls come with information and stories about how Black people were seen over time. The dolls vary in size, from tiny figures to life-sized ones.
Events and Workshops
The main event at the museum is the Philadelphia Doll Show. This show brings together doll collectors, especially those interested in black dolls. It also connects them with doll makers. This helps create a market and shows the value of black dolls.
The museum offers talks about the history of black dolls. They also teach how black dolls can be used as a learning tool. For children, there are workshops where they can make paper dolls and clothespin dolls. Adults can also learn to make cloth dolls. The museum also has an informal club for adult doll collectors and makers.
In August 2011, the museum was named one of the "Top 10 Museums Worth a Visit" by Doll Reader magazine. The museum gives a full look at how black dolls have changed over time.
The Founder: Barbara Whiteman
Barbara Whiteman is the person who started the Philadelphia Doll Museum. She is also its executive director. She built her amazing doll collection by studying Black history and culture. Ms. Whiteman travels all over the country. She gives talks and shares her collection with others.
She believes that these black dolls are much more than just playthings. They stand for the struggle for freedom and human dignity. Each doll carries a message of truth and strength. This message is important for the growth and understanding of Black people. As a group, the dolls show how Black people have been seen throughout history.
Community Connections
The Philadelphia Doll Museum is also a place for community activities. It hosts workshops for schools, churches, and cultural groups. These workshops teach how to make paper and clothespin dolls. The museum also holds talks for the community. These talks cover the history of black dolls and how they can be used for teaching.
The museum is also home to the Philadelphia Doll Society. This is a casual club for adults who collect or make dolls.
See also
- African American culture
- Black doll
