LaVon Stennis-Williams, a passionate collector, has transformed her personal collection of over 750 African-American dolls into a free museum. Located in Omaha, Nebraska, this museum offers a unique opportunity to explore 300 years of Black history and culture through the lens of these dolls. The exhibit is part of her ongoing effort to educate the public and keep the legacy of African-American history alive.
The Doll Museum of African-American History
Stennis-Williams’ remarkable collection is now housed in the Doll Museum of African-American History. The museum’s mission is to showcase the history of Black America through the eyes of these dolls, spanning more than three centuries. It is located near her other African-American history museum, Mama’s Attic, which offers a deeper look at Black heritage and culture.
“It’s more than just playthings. These dolls tell the story of America’s past,” said Stennis-Williams. She has spent over 35 years collecting dolls, starting with the goal of teaching her daughter about Black history, race, and culture. What began as a small project soon turned into a vast collection, with Stennis-Williams dedicating significant time to restoring and preserving the dolls.
The Historical Significance of the Dolls
The dolls in Stennis-Williams’ collection tell powerful stories of American history. Some of the earliest dolls date back to the 1850s, created by enslaved women. These dolls provide insight into the lives of enslaved people and the struggles they faced. The later dolls, although more refined in their features, often portrayed Black children in derogatory and stereotypical ways, reflecting the racial prejudices of the time.
Stennis-Williams emphasized that many of the dolls were not made by Black mothers but were created by white manufacturers. These dolls were often used to perpetuate harmful stereotypes. However, her collection also features dolls from the first Black doll company in the United States, The Negro Doll Company, founded by Richard Henry Boyd, a formerly enslaved man. This company emerged after slavery had ended, showcasing the progress of the Black community during the early 1900s.
From the Civil Rights Movement to the Present Day
As the collection grew, it began to reflect the changing social and political landscape of America. Dolls from the 1920s and 1930s highlight the economic strides made by the Black community. There are also dolls from the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for racial equality. One of the most poignant parts of the collection includes dolls used as evidence in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case, which led to the desegregation of schools. Stennis-Williams pointed out that a study conducted during the case revealed that Black children preferred white dolls over Black dolls, illustrating the damaging effects of segregation.
“The dolls show the effects of racial separation in education, even for children as young as those in the study,” she said. The dolls serve as a reminder of the deep psychological impact of segregation and the importance of racial equality.
More Than Just a Museum: A Path to Empowerment
Beyond her doll collection, Stennis-Williams is deeply involved in social reform. As a formerly incarcerated woman, she also runs ReConnect Success, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping formerly incarcerated individuals find meaningful work. Her efforts are focused on giving people a second chance and helping them reintegrate into society.
The Doll Museum of African-American History and Mama’s Attic offer free admission to everyone, including school groups and clubs. Visitors can experience these powerful exhibits by appointment, making it a unique educational experience for people of all ages.
Stennis-Williams’ commitment to preserving Black history through these dolls is an important part of the ongoing conversation about racial identity, equality, and the legacy of African-American culture in the United States.
How You Can Visit
Both of Stennis-Williams’ museums are open by appointment, ensuring that every visitor receives a meaningful and personal experience. Free admission is available to all, making it easy for students, educators, and families to engage with this significant collection. Information on how to make an appointment is available on the Mama’s Attic website.
