News From the Director
Happy summer, everyone!
If you didn't get to join us for our doll-lightful World Doll Day this year, we can't wait to show you photos of how our community came together to celebrate.
We have plenty of other updates for you, too, from a summer internship opportunity to a surprise donation that touched our hearts.
We know you're always curious about our progress on the museum's future home - scroll down for an exciting video update as we continue to get things ready for a grand opening (and you WILL be invited!!)
Don't forget to check our 2024 events calendar, including new details on our exceptional doll luncheon guest speaker, Cynthia Ogeron.
And if you don't get the chance to join us in-person, you'll love our spotlights on Asian dolls, a special dollhouse, and more.
We have a stellar summer ahead thanks to your tireless support of our mission! Thank you!
Beth M. Nance
Founder and Executive Director
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The museum will be closed on Thursday, July 4 for Independence Day.
However, we will be OPEN on Friday, July 5 and Saturday, July 6! Come by and see us!
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We're hiring a paid intern here in Spencer, NC who can support our big move!
If you know someone with a background or interest in museum cataloguing and collections management, this summer internship position pays $1,500.
The position will involve working with our Collections Committee to assist with photography, cataloguing, documentation, handling collections, registration and database entry, and organizing storage and exhibit spaces to help support our move to a larger location.
Apply now or share the listing:
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A huge THANK YOU to our friends at the North Carolina Museums Council for making this internship possible with a generous grant! | |
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Volunteers make our mission possible - and we are so grateful for them!
There are so many reasons to become a volunteer, from meeting new people to learning new skills to giving back to your community.
Find your reason why - and reply to this email to learn how you can start volunteering with the museum.
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We know you're eager for news about our move to a new, bigger location - and trust us, no one is more eager than we are!!
We look forward to the day when we can invite you to the official grand opening, but in the meantime, take a look at this AMAZING moment as a huge crane hoists our HVAC system onto the roof:
| We'll continue to send updates on our progress so you can join in our excitement for this HUGE step in our museum's journey! | |
World Doll Day
June 8, 2024
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We LOVED celebrating World Doll Day with you!! We brought the cake, buttons, and t-shirts - you brought the enthusiasm, excitement, and love for our museum.
As we recognized the museum's 12th birthday, we also enjoyed exclusive doll sandal workshops from Sherry O'Brien that got our creative juices flowing.
The celebration brought together collectors and supporters of all ages and walks of life. We are #OneDollFamily!
Photos are available now - take a look:
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Plus a New Face at Super Saturdays! | |
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Did you meet our new BFF? During our June 8 Super Saturdays monthly sale, we introduced our new Super Saturdays mascot: "TR" (Teddy Roosevelt) donated by Betsy Rich!
If you didn't get a chance to introduce yourself, don't forget that our Super Saturday sales return every second Saturday!
See upcoming dates in our event calendar below or on our website.
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We had a chance to attend another special doll gathering on June 8: the annual PUDDLE convention for fans of Pullip and Dal dolls (and a whole lot of Smart Dolls, too!)
After we shared our recap of this one-of-a-kind event, we got exciting news: the PUDDLE community chose our museum as their 2024 charity of choice!
We are so grateful for their donation and their recognition of our museum's role in keeping the joy, history, and artistry of dolls alive for future generations.
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Monthly Spotlight
Trains, Trucks & More
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"The trains are going too fast..."
There's a phrase you probably didn't expect to hear if you've ever watched our Lionel model trains make their way around the museum.
Matching movement to scale is a unique challenge for train enthusiasts. As Ed Klebaur explains:
"If you think about the speed of these model trains relative to their scale, they are going faster than bullet trains: 10 miles-per-hour at 1:48 scale means 480 miles-per-hour. Bullet trains travel under 300 miles-per-hour!"
A slower speed not only improves the accuracy of this collection but also means more time for train lovers to see the details on our model trains as they move.
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Monthly Spotlight
Joan Kapetanakis Dollhouse
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If you've visited the museum in-person, you probably spent time peering into this marvelous New York Townhouse dollhouse created by NAME member Joan Kapetanakis from South Carolina.
Now in her 80s, Joan donated the dollhouse to the museum as she was downsizing. She now works exclusively in 1/4 scale, making this dollhouse a true treasure filled with intricate and tiny detail.
The house is a Real Good Toys design with a front opening piece (unlike traditional dollhouses in which you can only see the interior and exterior from one side).
The furniture is by Bespaq - a company that is no longer producing these miniature treasures.
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...but why are there no dolls in the house?
Like we've heard from so many other dollhouse and miniature artists, Joan feels that placing dolls inside a dollhouse sometimes make the experience less like looking at a real house in miniature scale.
She considers herself to be the one "living" in the house as a creator instead of dolls - and we feel the same way as we look inside!
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Collection Spotlight
AAPI Heritage
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Last month, we celebrated Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month by shining a spotlight on valued items in our collection.
In honor of AAPI Heritage Month, which commemorates the arrival of the first wave of Japanese immigrants to the U.S. in May 1843, we celebrate the generations of individuals who have significantly shaped our nation's history.
As we eagerly anticipate our Chinese doll and culture celebration in September, we shared photos and videos showcasing the stunning artistry of our Asian doll exhibit.
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2024 Events Calendar
Here's our calendar for 2024 at a glance. Scroll down for more details.
July 13: Super Saturday Sale - coming up fast!
August 10: Super Saturday Sale
September 7: Around the World Doll Luncheon - Year of the Dragon
September 14: Super Saturday Sale
October 5: 2nd Annual Miniature Luncheon - New Beginnings
October 12: Super Saturday Sale
November 9: Super Saturday Sale
November 10: Madame Alexander Friendship Luncheon
December 8: Creating Magic in Gingerbread Workshop
December 14: Tea with Mrs Claus Returns!
December 14: Super Saturday Sale
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Annual Doll Luncheon
Meet Our Guest Speaker!
We are proud to introduce a featured guest speaker for our annual doll luncheon on September 7, 2024: Cynthia Ogeron.
Cynthia is distinguished doll community member with more than 50 years of experience and expertise.
Cynthia traveled to China with Jean Kestel to research the Door of Hope mission dolls for Jean’s book, making her the perfect fit for our program on Door of Hope dolls and celebrating Chinese dolls and culture.
Cynthia is a five-decade UFDC member who played an integral role in shaping the organization’s direction. She continues to travel nationwide with her husband, George, to share her expertise and unite collector communities in the celebration of doll artistry.
Year of the Dragon: Celebrating Chinese Dolls & Culture
Saturday, September 7
9:30 am to 3 pm
Country Club of Salisbury
747 Club Dr, Salisbury, NC 28144
$80/members $85/non-members
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July 13
Super Saturday Sale
On the second Saturday of every month, shop in-person for vintage dolls, toys, miniatures, and treasures.
Now with LIVE MUSIC!
Enjoy jam sessions with Ole Friends Band.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
at First Community Center of Spencer:
215 5th Street, Spencer, NC 28159
Walking distance to the museum!
New items added every month!
Save these upcoming dates:
Aug 10, Sept 14, Oct 12, Nov 9
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October 5
2nd Annual Miniature Luncheon
"New Beginnings"
The luncheon will feature a hearty lunch along with some presentations focused on historical miniatures, miniature artistry, and miniature collecting. There will also be a “Mini Mart”, a silent auction, a chance to win some special items, and lots of gifts and special treats!
Terri Correll will entertain with a Bespaq Miniatures program which celebrates the artistry and craftsmanship of Bespaq Furniture. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious enthusiast, you'll enjoy this program.
All proceeds from the event will help support our nonprofit museum and our continued work on the new museum location!
After the luncheon, join us at the museum for a tour and reception of our current miniature collection along with the dolls and toys that have always been a part of the museum.
Don’t miss our celebration of all things small.
2nd Annual Miniature Luncheon
Saturday, October 5
9:30 am to 3 pm
Country Club of Salisbury
747 Club Dr, Salisbury, NC 28144
$80/members $85/non-members
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November 10
Madame Alexander Friendship Luncheon
"Weekends in Autumn"
Whether you’re a member of the Madame Alexander community or simply seeking a delightful gathering with loved ones, this event warmly welcomes all. And the best part? You don’t have to be a member of Madame Alexander Doll Club (MADC) to participate!
Your registration includes a delectable meal, delightful table favors, and an array of fun activities to enjoy throughout the event.
Additionally, MADC is excited to offer the option to purchase a specially designed souvenir doll for this special occasion. Attendees will purchase directly from MADC.
Registration will open at MADC Online for $60 per person. We'll send you an email when you can register!
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to create lasting memories and strengthen bonds with old and new friends alike at the Friendship Luncheon. We eagerly anticipate welcoming you with open arms!
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December 8
The Magical Snow Queen:
Creating Magic in Gingerbread Workshop
Join us in a magical journey where sugar, spice, and everything nice come together to create a stunning gingerbread Snow Queen entirely out of gingerbread and edible materials!
Let your creativity sparkle and your imagination soar as we delve into the whimsical world of winter wonderlands and fairy tales.
In this dynamic class, you’ll embark on an exciting adventure guided by an expert gingerbread artist Lindsay Deibler aka Ginger Gingerbread Lady.
Learn the art of crafting intricate details, from delicate lace-like icing to shimmering sugar embellishments, all designed to bring your Snow Queen to life in breathtaking beauty.
Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned confectionery enthusiast, this class is perfect for anyone eager to unleash their inner artist and craft a masterpiece fit for a Snow Queen.
No baking will happen in class and all materials will be provided for you to leave with a beautiful Queen. Class cost is $55 per person.
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Save the Date:
December 14
Mrs. Claus Returns to Spencer!
Join us on Saturday, December 14 from 10 am to 12 pm at the First Community Center of Spencer, located at 215 5th St. Spencer, NC 28159.
Tickets are just $15 – coming soon!
This event is perfect for families, children, and anyone who loves the magic of the holiday season!
Upon arrival, guests will be greeted by our friendly staff and escorted to our beautifully decorated tearoom. Mrs. Claus will be there to welcome everyone and share stories of the North Pole and the elves.
Our tea service will include a delicious selection of savory and sweet treats, along with a variety of teas, hot cocoa, and other beverages.
Children will have the opportunity to participate in fun holiday-themed activities and crafts.
Don’t forget to bring your camera! Mrs. Claus will be available for pictures and will even read a story or two.
We look forward to sharing this magical experience with you and your loved ones.
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| New & Renewing Members | New & Renewing Members | | Brenda Welker | Karen Bryant | | Carla Garris | Katie Setzer | | Carole Banard | Katrina Wells & Family | | Carrie Ingram | Laurie Donald | | Cathy Wood | Leigh Powell | | Cheri Miller | Marie Cluster | | David & Angela Johnson | Nance Walker | | Deborah Ahlman | Perry Leonard | | Elizabeth Waters | Polly Hajek | | Gail Hounshell | Sandra Hagman | | Janet Chase | Sandy McHenry | | Janie Lane | Susan Matthias | | Jan McCandliss | Susan Wydner | | Judy Hoskins |
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| Society Members ($250+) | Society Members ($250+) | | Angela Jones | Nancy Hall | | Ed Klebaur | Rebecca Jennings | | Jean Peeler | Suzanne Birmingham | | Lynn Frank | Theresa Pitner | | Lynn Montgomery |
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This membership list was last updated on June 27, 2024.
Your annual membership provides critical funding for our maintenance, acquisitions, and programming. To see the different levels of membership we offer and sign up, click here.
You can pay your dues by mailing in a check, or you can pay online.
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Thank You!
Thanks to you, our mission continues to preserve history, enrich the community, and spread joy.
Reply to this email if you’d like to connect with a member of our staff, volunteer, share feedback, or make a suggestion. We love hearing from you!
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