On Saturday, April 6th, all doll enthusiasts are invited to the Trenton City Museum for an afternoon of collectables and community at their upcoming event, Hello Beautiful!: A Celebration and Gathering of Black Doll Collectors. The afternoon’s activities will take place from 1pm to 3pm at the Trenton City Museum campus, located at 299 Parkside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08606. If you plan on driving to the celebration, there is plenty of free and accessible parking located just outside the museum. This event is completely free to attend, but advanced registration is required. You can secure your spot by submitting your RSVP, available here: RSVP – TCM. Whether you’re a lifelong collector or are just getting started, you’ll want to get dolled up for this epic afternoon of discovery and fun.
At the pop-up showcase, guests can mix and mingle with Black doll collectors from throughout the community and get a peak at their personal collections. Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear directly from a number of subject matter experts, including Regina Thompson-Jenkins, Carol Drummond, Wanda McNeil, and Susan Lacy (showing the dolls from their mother Mrs. Elizabeth Lacy’s collection) and Bernice Gasaway, President of the United Federation of Doll Collectors. This is a wonderful opportunity to get a close-up glance at some truly magnificent dolls, as well as show off any favorites from your personal collection. From the beauty and splendor of the Ellarslie Mansion to the delicate details of these divine dolls, this afternoon promises to be a feast for the senses among friends old and new.
This pop-up showcase is inspired by the Trenton City Museum’s recent exhibit, In Celebration of Black Dolls. This exhibit features a masterfully curated collection of Black dolls, most of which were created in the 19th and 20th centuries. Beyond just a child’s plaything, dolls are a powerful tool in advancing representation and building identity in the community these dolls portray. Dolls are also a priceless historical keepsake, often reflecting the stylistic details of the eras from which they hail. Dolls are a reflection of ourselves and serve as a reminder to viewers young and old that we can be anything we set our minds to. This exhibit is on display now through June 2nd, 2024. For more information on this exhibit and the incredible dolls currently on display, please visit the following link: In Celebration of Black Dolls.
Additional details regarding this and other upcoming events at the Trenton City Museum can be found on their website, linked here: Trenton City Museum – Home. If you have any questions or would like any help registering for the pop-up showcase, please contact the Trenton City Museum team at info@ellarslie.org or (609) 989-1191 for additional assistance. Don’t miss this chance to delight in some dolls with fellow friends and community members, secure your spot today!
