SPENCER, N.C. — Toys and miniatures are very telling about different traditions around the globe.
Beth Nance is co-owner of the North Carolina Museum of Dolls, Toys and Miniatures. She says the museum has dolls from almost every decade since the 1800s.
“The ladies who were growing up in the '50s, they always want to see her [Chatty Kathy] so she’s probably one of the most asked about dolls in the museum" Nance said, adding that each doll is unique.
The oldest doll in the collection was made by Izannah Walker, a doll designer from the early 1800s.
Nancy says the dolls can help educate about different cultures and time periods.
The museum is in Spencer, N.C. But Nance says people have traveled from all over to see the history that lives inside the museum.
“[Visitors have traveled from] Paris, France, Charlotte, Raleigh, Rhode Island," Nance said.
The museum is raising money to move to a larger space.
While the museum houses history, it also serves as a tribute to Nance's sister, Amy Morris, who died of a rare condition, called Werding Hoffman Disease. Amy was a doll collector, and her passion and hobby inspired the museum.
Most of all the dolls and toys found inside the museum have been donated by others who want to preserve their childhood artifacts. The museum holds thousands of dolls and toys, and they rotates their exhibits regularly to keep the experience unique.
