Portraits of Childhood: Black Dolls from the Collection of Deborah Neff

June 29, 2024 – March 3, 2025

Portraits of Childhood: Black Dolls from the Collection of Deborah Neff explores themes of race, gender, and identity through 135 handmade Black dolls dating from around 1850 to 1940 as well as almost 60 period photographs and paintings depicting dolls posed alongside both children and adults. A selection of more recent Black dolls from the Museum’s collection provides additional perspectives on the exhibition’s themes to consider. Educators, students, and community members are invited to respond to the exhibition thoughtfully and critically through visiting both independently and in organized groups, participating in workshops and facilitated conversations, and attending public lectures.

This exhibition would not be possible without the incredible support and collaboration generously shared by the following individuals and sponsors:

Advisory Group
Dr. Deja Jontelle Beamon
Keichanda Dees-Burnett
Natasha Ria El-Scari
Tiana Ford
Morgana Wilborn

Interpretation Writers
Kyra Afolabi
Dr. Deja Jontelle Beamon
Phyllis Becker
NedRa Bonds
Dr. Antonio Byrd
Adrianne Clayton
Natasha Ria El-Scari
Tiana Ford
Karen E. Griffin (KE)
Sheri Hall
Dr. Roland A. Hemmings Jr.
Iyanna Moss
Glenn North
Josephine Sebunyenzi
Lanisha Stevens
Sonié Joi Thompson-Ruffin
Morgan Wafer-Lyman
Dr. Carmaletta M. Williams

Exhibition Sponsors

This project is supported in part by the City of Kansas City, Missouri Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund and the Hall Family Foundation.

Photographs of the Deborah Neff Collection

Ellen McDermott Photography, New York.