News From the Director
Did you know that today is the rarest day of the year? It's Leap Day!
February 29 occurs just once every four years. Here are a few interesting facts about this unusual holiday:
A Day to Challenge Traditions
Historically, Leap Day was a day when women had the chance to propose to men instead of the other way around without cultural stigma.
In some areas, refusing a Leap Day proposal was not just bad luck but also a formal offense that came with a fine!
These fines weren't always monetary: in Denmark, a man who refused a woman's proposal on Leap Day had to gift her 12 pairs of gloves to hide her engagement-ring-free hands for a full year.
A Day for Luck and Liveliness
In some cultures, Leap Days are a day to take chances, anticipate good fortune, and celebrate.
How Did You Spend Your Extra Day?
We hope you've found a special way to commemorate this rarest day of the year. And we are so glad you're spending this Leap Day in our community, enjoying all the museum is bringing your way this year.
Read on for updates, events, and more!
Sending you Leap Day love and luck,
Beth M. Nance
Founder and Executive Director
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Our Annual Auction - Another Success!
We're happy to report that our Treasures of the Past Live Auction on February 24 was a success!
We got to introduce you to hidden gems and vintage finds, and you contributed towards our nonprofit museum as you bid.
A sincere thanks to the staff members, volunteers, and participants who helped make this auction possible, to our photographer, and to our auctioneer, Nancy Farley NCAL#3147.
Click to see our photo album on Facebook, and scroll down for our recap video!
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You made our unique Sign a Stud event one of our favorite get-togethers so far!
So many volunteers, board members, and museum supporters came together to sign their special messages onto the studs of our future home.
Your messages moved us. Whether you joined us in-person or contributed a special message from afar, THANK YOU for becoming a part of our history!
Watch the recap video:
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Your messages really did get incorporated into the ongoing construction of our new museum home. Take a look: | |
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Black History Month:
A Museum We Love!
We started our Black History Month recognition by celebrating the life and impact of Carolyn Mills Allen, an influential and passionate part of the doll community.
Today, we would like to continue to amplify and spread Black voices by sharing a museum we love: the National Black Doll Museum of History & Culture.
With 7,000+ dolls in its collection, the National Black Doll Museum of History & Culture uses dolls, images, and artifacts to tell Black stories.
This quote sums up a piece of why their mission is so important:
"The history of Black dolls is about more than just objects of play. Black dolls have played a critical role in building a diverse American society and rich African American culture."
We would love to hear about organizations in your community and across the country like the National Black Doll Museum of History & Culture that pledge their time, talent, and day-to-day efforts towards ensuring Black culture and history are preserved to educate generations of both the present and future.
Learn more about this museum on their website.
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In Our Community:
Florida Doll Day
We traveled all the way down to Naples, Florida to help support the UFDC Museum for Florida Doll Day on February 17, presented by the Southwest Florida Antique Doll Study Guild.
The luncheon included a silent auction and salesroom plus the program "Against All Odds: How Margarete Steiff Built Her Legacy Toy Company" presented by Rebekah Kaufman.
Pictured above: Beth with Becky and Andy Ourant, and Beth with Catherine Peterson, UFDC Director Region 9.
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So Many Events Ahead!
We hope you're planning to join us for a few in-person events this year. We have SO MANY events coming up, and we couldn't be more excited to see you there.
Here's our calendar for 2024 at a glance. Scroll down for more details.
March 9: Super Saturday Sale
March 9: Barbie's Birthday Bash at the Museum
April 13: Super Saturday Sale
April 20: Shirley Temple Tribute Day at the Museum
May 4: Festival of Tables
May 11: Super Saturday Sale
June 8: Super Saturday Sale
June 8: World Doll Day at the Museum
July 13: Super Saturday Sale
August 10: Super Saturday Sale
September 7: Around the World Doll Luncheon - Year of the Dragon
September 14: Super Saturday Sale
October 5: 2nd Annual Miniature Luncheon - New Beginnings
October 12: Super Saturday Sale
November 9: Super Saturday Sale
December 14: Tea with Mrs Claus Returns!
December 14: Super Saturday Sale
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Barbie's Birthday Bash!
March 9 at the Museum
Join us for a birthday bash for our favorite fashion icon: Barbie!
Enjoy games and activities, a costume contest, a temporary exhibit, a movie viewing party, refreshments, photo ops, and more!
Just $10! Pay at the door.
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Super Saturday Sale
March 9
On the second Saturday of every month, shop in-person for vintage dolls, toys, miniatures, and treasures.
- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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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:
Apr 13, May 11, June 8, July 13
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Shirley Temple Tribute Day
at the Museum
April 20
Love Shirley Temple and her dolls? Us too!
Join us for a special day dedicated to honoring Shirley Temple.
Come to the museum and immerse yourself in one of the nation's most extensive exhibits of Shirley Temple dolls. Watch Shirley Temple movies, indulge in cake, Animal Crackers, and sip on refreshing Shirley Temple drinks.
Free with your admission on April 20!
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May 4
Festival of Tables
A unique, can’t-miss event! Enjoy touring through a wide variety of beautifully decorated tables, each showcasing a unique theme and design! Then enjoy a delicious brunch with us to round out a lovely afternoon.
Bring your appetite, your bidding spirit, and your generosity, and join us for an unforgettable day! There’s nothing quite like our Festival of Tables!
Saturday, May 4 from 11 am to 1:30 pm at First Community Center of Spencer.
Just $25 per person - brunch included!
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World Doll Day
at the Museum
June 8
Join us for our annual World Doll Day celebration!
All attending will receive a complimentary doll.
Refreshments will be available for purchase, and we’ll be giving away special doll-themed prizes throughout the day.
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September 7
Annual Around the World Doll Luncheon
Year of the Dragon: Celebrating Chinese Dolls & Culture
Learn all about China’s heritage and dolls at our annual Around the World luncheon to support the museum!
Saturday, September 7 from 9:30 am to 3 pm at Country Club of Salisbury.
Special reception in our NEW museum location on Friday, September 6!
Registration opens May 1st, 2024.
$80/members $85/non-members.
If you own Door of Hope dolls you'd be willing to lend the museum for this event, please reply to this email! We will pay shipping.
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October 5
2nd Annual Miniature Luncheon
"New Beginnings"
IT’S BACK!! Our annual miniature luncheon will take place from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday, October 5 at the Country Club of Salisbury.
The luncheon will feature a hearty lunch along with some presentations focused on historical miniatures, miniature artistry, and miniature collecting. There will also be a “Mini Mart”, a silent auction, a chance to win some special items, and lots of gifts and special treats!
All proceeds from the event will help support our nonprofit museum and our continued work on the new museum location!
After the luncheon, join us at the museum for a tour and reception of our current miniature collection along with the dolls and toys that have always been a part of the museum.
Don’t miss our celebration of all things small. Save the date!
$80/members $85/non-members.
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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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