Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS) will open its newest exhibit, “All Dolled Up: 200 Years of Dolls and Miniatures,” this Thursday, Oct. 3 at the Cleveland History Center, 10825 East Blvd. in University Circle.

“All Dolled Up” offers a collection of dolls, doll houses, miniatures, and toys dating from the 1830s to present-day—from porcelain and rag dolls to Barbie and American Girl—and includes life-sized fashion, and historical images of children from the WRHS collection.

Dolls and other items will be displayed beside their life-sized counterparts, while other scenes open a window into the secret (and tiny) world of dolls.

All Dolled Up: 200 Years of Dolls and Miniatures at the Cleveland History CenterVisitors can experience how dolls elicit core memories of playing and childhood today in visitors across generations.

“All Dolled Up” in the Chisholm Halle Costume Wing will be open until October 2025 and a room will be available for families to get hands-on experience playing with dolls.

The exhibit’s grand opening kicks off from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a private screening of the Netflix documentary “Black Barbie.” Produced by Shondaland and directed by award-winning director Lagueria Davis, the film highlights the groundbreaking work of Beulah Mae Mitchell, Kitty Black Perkins, and Stacey McBride-Irby, in the crucial roles they had in creating the first Black Barbie in 1980.

The documentary examines how Barbie evolved from a singular figure to an inclusive icon, emphasizing the importance of representation in children's toys.

Both the exhibition and the documentary tell the powerful story of how a simple doll became a symbol of self-expression and imagination. The screening will include special treats and mocktails.

The “All Dolled Up” grand opening and “Black Barbie” viewing are included with museum general admission, which is $15 for adults, $8 for children ages eight to 13, and $10 for college students. WRHS members and active Military members are free. Advance registration for the viewing is recommended.

Cookies, coffee, and conversation

On Saturday, Oct. 19 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., join WRHS curator of costume and textiles Patty Edmonson when she talks to historian, podcaster, writer, and cultural critic Mary Mahoney in All Dolled Up—Cookies, Coffee and Conversation.

Mahoney is a co-host of the Dolls of our Lives podcast, in which she revisits the American Girl book series, book by book. The podcast, which has been featured in The New York Times, A.V. Club, Book Riot, The Paris Review, and other outlets, investigates the historical stories offered by the American Girl brand and what they reveal about the eras in which they’re set

In 2023, Mahoney and fellow podcaster Allison Horrocks released “Dolls of Our Lives: Why We Can’t Quit American Girl,” which follows the two on an unforgettable journey to the past as they delve into the origins of this iconic brand.

After the talk, guests may purchase “Dolls of Our Lives,” have it signed, and join Edmonson and Mahoney on a tour of the “All Dolled Up” exhibition. The talk is free with History Center admission, but advance registration is requested.

“All Dolled Up” is made possible by the generosity of local philanthropist Cathy Lincoln, who has also helped fund projects at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, Cleveland Play House, the Children’s Museum, among others.