News From the Director
It's been an epic early fall for the museum and for the doll, toy, train, truck, and miniature communities!
In this newsletter, you'll see recaps of our Day of Play and Annual Doll Luncheon museum fundraisers.
You'll hear about events we attended to support the community - including a unique chance to meet the Carolina Smart Doll Club.
And you'll see spotlights from the museum's collection, including an exciting update on our model train plans for our future home and a celebration of dollmaker Izannah Walker's birthday.
...and of course, we couldn't let you go without a construction update. We know you love 'em! Find out why I'm so excited about the boxes in this photo.
Thank you for making our museum, our mission, and all this doll & toy magic possible with your generosity and support!
Beth M. Nance
Founder and Executive Director
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Our Volunteer of the Year:
Ed Klebaur
Last month, we presented our 2023 Volunteer of the Year award to a deserving recipient. Congratulations and a heartfelt thank-you to Ed Klebaur!
Susan Morris put it simply and beautifully during our doll luncheon presentation:
"He has a genuine love for the museum."
While volunteering to serve a nonprofit like ours can take a lot of work, we're glad Ed at least left the luncheon a raffle winner. He will forever be a winner to us!
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A Museum Moment
Meeting Cara
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Sometimes, museum magic lies in what we are able to preserve or give to others. But other times, it lies in what we receive.
This Leo Moss-inspired Cara one-of-a-kind doll is a museum donation that comes to us all the way from Hawaii from Tutu Forrest Souza.
Tutu is a self-taught doll artist of Cherokee descent who was moved and inspired by the story of doll artist Leo Moss and began making tribute dolls during the pandemic.
Black dollmaker Leo Moss created his dolls in the late 1800s through 1932 using uncommon materials, often inspired by his work as a handyman, and incorporating exquisite textural detail for each doll’s hair.
Today, Tutu lovingly and thoughtfully creates dolls in the image of Leo Moss’s original creations.
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Cara comes along with a tag that showcases Mina - named for the youngest of Leo’s five children, Mina was the doll that brought Leo’s legacy back into the spotlight decades after her creation when she won a 1973 UFDC doll competition. | |
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In addition to offering these dolls for sale to collectors, Tutu donates her dolls to museums like ours to ensure Leo’s legacy and artistry can be preserved and remembered by future generations.
”Leo made and freely gave away his dolls to children. It is important to me to keep his spirit of genuine love alive by giving these dolls away freely to organizations that celebrate the child in all of us.”
In addition to sending us her unbelievably stunning and detailed Leo Moss-inspired doll Cara, Tutu is also offering a $100 discount to museum followers towards purchasing their own dolls from among her creations.
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The arrival of these ceiling tiles was a BIG deal for us - it means we are one big step closer to a fully functional future home for the museum! | |  |
A team effort...getting the painting done by any means necessary! | | |
You can't have a museum without light - and we could not have been more excited to see our space illuminated in September. | | |
These storage shelves will bring incredible new potential to our space for preservation and organization. | | |
Our museum events in September included a chance to see both the current museum and our future home - and get in a few last stud-signings! | | |
Leaving a mark on the museum's future home! | | |
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The arrival of this telescoping four-panel door got us so excited.
Little by little, we can see our future home come to life. And it is going to be bigger and better than we could have ever imagined!
Your support is bringing together a gathering place and forever home for our mission and collection.
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Family Fun & Toys Through the Ages
Worldwide Day of Play
We were joined by local families and toy-lovers of all ages, volunteers, a mischievous Hamburglar, a world-class hula hooper, and superhoes galore at our first-ever celebration of the Worldwide Day of Play!
As we move closer to our museum's future home, these celebrations at our current location are even more special. Thank you for joining us and making the most of our Day of Play!
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Annual Doll Luncheon Delights
Celebrating the Year of the Dragon
Our annual doll luncheon's Year of the Dragon theme was a big hit. We enjoyed an all-new spacious and airy location at Trinity Oaks and a huge crowd of doll-lovers, volunteers, and cultural ambassadors.
We learned about the unique legacy of dollmaker Ada Lum, saw stunning performances and a Year of the Dragon cultural presentation from our friends at the Chinese American Friendship Association of NC, and learned what it was like to travel to China for the first time while hunting for history on the incredible Door of Hope Mission dolls.
You won't want to miss the stunning photos taken by Jim Ryser and Guangyong Mao.
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In Our Community
Memorable Gatherings!
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First, a shoutout to our friends at the Pee Dee Doll Club.
The annual Pee Dee Doll Show always gives back to nonprofits like ours with their proceeds, and their 37th annual show & sale in August was a memorable gathering with a special cause behind it.
We are so grateful for this club's annual support and their museum membership!!
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An annual favorite! We saw plenty of familiar faces and met some new friends at the 2024 Land O'Sky Doll Club Show & Sale in East Flat Rock, NC. | |
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Under the direction of founder Danny Choo, Smart Doll maintains a unique commitment to diversity, representation, and inclusion.
We think their "pear" body shape brings a refreshingly realistic beauty standard to the world of fashion dolls.
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A huge thank-you to the Carolina Smart Doll Club!!
This diverse group of collectors not only collects Smart Dolls but also pledges their time to spreading information about this unique doll brand with others at events like the Land O'Sky Doll Club Show & Sale.
You can find the club on Facebook and shop dolly delights online from members All My Plastic Children and Kit N Kat Shop.
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Dollhouse & Miniature Month | |
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October is Dollhouse & Miniature Month!
We'll be celebrating with special spotlights on social media and in our next email newsletter to you - including a miniature luncheon recap, coming soon!
Why not treat yourself to a miniature or two and support the museum in the process?
See what's on offer by browsing our Facebook albums. We can ship to you!
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Miniature mania!! The annual NAME convention is a can't-miss event for miniature fans. The salesroom alone is jaw-dropping! | |
Collection Spotlight
Izannah Walker's Birthday
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On September 25, we wished a happy birthday to iconic dollmaker Izannah Walker.
Izannah was born on September 25, 1817 in Rhode Island. She grew up an orphan and was raised by relatives in Massachusetts.
As an adult, she began creating her own doll patterns and dolls. She made dolls as a cottage industry until 1873, when she became the first woman to patent a doll design. She was even listed as a dollmaker in the Rhode Island census of 1865!
The "Izannah doll" is one of the earliest patented cloth dolls that we know of.
These dolls have a unique three-dimensional handmade look. Her dolls were unique for their design at a time when the popular dolls were typically wood, paper mache, or bisque.
A special thanks to Kathy Gregg for reminding us of this occasion to celebrate female entrepreneurship and doll artistry.
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Trains, Trucks & More
An Extra-Special Donation...
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We are grateful and excited to share that Lionel Trains donated track to ensure our model trains can be fully displayed in all their glory in our museum's future location!!
The iconic company is headquartered right here in NC. They went above and beyond to help support our model train community!
In case you missed it in a previous edition of our train spotlight, here is our audio tour stop covering the eye-opening history of Lionel model trains:
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2024 Events Calendar
Here's our calendar for 2024 at a glance. Scroll down for more details.
October 12: Super Saturday Sale (elevator is under repair)
October 26: New! 16+ Ghost-Hunting Experience
October 26: New! Happy Doll-o-Ween! All Ages Museum Fun
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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Celebrate the Spookiest Season!
Two New Events Oct. 26
We are bringing you two ways to get spooky this month as Halloween approaches.
Bring the whole family for the museum's first-ever Doll-o-Ween celebration, filled with treats as you explore a decorated museum.
Costumes are welcome!
Doll-o-Ween (All Ages)
Saturday, October 26
5:30 pm to 7 pm
At the museum
Spencer NC
Just $5 Per Guest
Register Now!
Enjoy an eerie Ghost Hunt after-hours at the museum led by local ghost-hunters! 16+ only with three times available.
Spooky Ghost Hunt (16+ Only!)
Saturday, October 26
Choose Your Time:
8 pm to 10 pm
10 pm to 12 midnight
12 midnight to 2 am
At the museum
Spencer NC
$50 Per Guest
Register Now!
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October 12
Super Saturday Sale - NO ELEVATOR
PLEASE NOTE: the elevator is under repair and will not be available for this month's Super Saturday sale. Visitors will need to use steps to access the venue.
On the second Saturday of every month, shop in-person for vintage dolls, toys, miniatures, and treasures.
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:
Nov 9, Dec 14
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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.
$60 per person. Download our registration form below!
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 | | Helen, Wayne, Tony & Todd Thomas | | |
| Society Members ($250+) | Society Members ($250+) | | Angela Jones | Nancy Hall | | Beth Calhoun | Rebecca Jennings | | Ed Klebaur | Robin Wyatt | | Jean Peeler | Suzanne Birmingham | | Lynn Frank | Theresa Pitner | | Lynn Montgomery |
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This membership list was last updated on September 19, 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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