New Exhibit at Linden Place Explores Black History Through Dolls
From March 1 through 16, a collection of dolls from North Attleboro’s newly opened National Black Doll Museum of History and Culture will be displayed at Linden Place. Curated from a collection of more than 7,000 dolls, the exhibit explores how dolls reflect important aspects of social history and change, from the formation of racial stereotypes to inspirational resilience and creativity in response to societal pressures.
Displays include dolls crafted by enslaved individuals, African wrap dolls, black cloth, paper dolls, and more.
This exhibit enables visitors to explore handmade Black dolls through the lens of race, gender, and identity. It immerses visitors in the world of dolls, doll play, and doll making while examining the formation of racial identity in America.
In conjunction with the exhibit, a doll making workshop will be offered on Saturday March 9 from 10 am to 12 noon. Suitable for adults and children six years old and up. Participants will create their own dolls. The workshop will be held in the Linden Place Ballroom. Tickets for the doll making session are $10 per person and include all materials plus entrance to the mansion to see the full doll exhibit.
Tickets, available for purchase at the door, are priced at $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and $5 for children aged 7 to 12. The museum and exhibit operate from 12 noon to 4 PM on Saturdays and from 10 AM to 4 PM on Tuesdays through Fridays. For group sales of 10 or more, advance purchase is required by contacting Linden Place at 401.253.0390.
The exhibit is made possible by the kind generosity of Roger Williams University, the Smith Family Trust and the Research BIPOC History Project.