Once upon a time, there was a little girl who loved dolls. She was loved deeply by her mother and sister...

This museum’s story began long before its doors opened. It began with my sister Amy, whose love of dolls shaped our lives and continues to inspire us today.

Today, my sister Amy would have turned 51. She passed away just before her 22nd birthday. 

Amy lived with a form of spinal muscular atrophy called Werdnig Hoffmann’s Disease, and though she used a wheelchair, she was unstoppable. Through our dolls, Amy and I escaped into worlds where she could swim with dolphins, cheer, dance, ride horses, and be anything she dreamed.

To Amy, dolls were more than toys: they were symbols of adventure, joy, peace, and possibility. Honoring that spirit inspired my mother and me to open this museum in 2012.

If she were here today, Amy wouldn’t believe her eyes!

Because of you, her legacy has blossomed into a place where thousands of dolls, toys, and playthings are cherished. Pieces of art and history crafted by innovators from Izannah Walker to Albert Schoenhut to Danny Choo. Dollhouses built over decades.

Each piece carries a story like Amy’s, but museums like ours and the legacies they hold are disappearing. We are now one of only a few of our kind left in the United States.

As we enter this season of generosity, I’m reminded of Amy’s humor, perseverance, and loving kindness. She showed us how to care deeply, meet challenges with courage, and create community wherever we go.

Amy’s time with us was cut short, but her once-upon-a-time continues to unfold all around us thanks to your support.

If you feel moved to help preserve arts, culture, history, and legacies like Amy’s, please consider making a tax-deductible donation or becoming a museum member.

Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours. Thank you for loving Amy and supporting our mission. And, Happy Birthday, Amy!