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

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 the 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.