A Museum Is Born…

“The journey to opening the museum was not a chosen path. It has instead been a walk on a rocky road. Three years after launching the Doll E Daze Project we realized that the next logical step would be to open a museum. We needed to find a home for the dolls and settle down. The wear and tear had begun to take a toll on our health and the collection.”

“In 2008, we held our first-ever Black Doll Collectors Convention -as an attempt to raise awareness and funds for the museum. Awareness was achieved. Funds? Not so much.”

“We worked with the city of Brockton for the next four years developing a feasibility strategy, and plan to open the doors. Unfortunately, the city of Brockton was unable to unlock any doors or locate an affordable space.”

“In May of 2012, the stars aligned and a divine intervention occurred. A new owner purchased 288 N. Main St. in Mansfield just as I completed a circle of prayer, Felicia ended a fast, and Laverne read The Prayer of Jabez. The National Black Doll Museum of History & Culture had found its home.

Hard Work And Vision

“We didn’t know if at the time, but we were located on the first floor of a mixed-use commercial & residential building for the next eight years. With just under 5,000 square feet of space, the place needed build-out. Floors, walls, and ceilings need to be repaired or replaced. With limited funds, ingenuity, and lots of sweat equity, we transformed that space.”

“All the ceilings were painted black to hide the water stains off a previously damaged roof. We intentionally put water-soaked and rotted wood in one hallway, creating The Middle Passage In some areas, the ceilings were replaced with stockade fence pieces. We stayed true to our upcycling ways and used re-purposed materials. “

“The floors were sanded and restained. (Experimenting with the sanding machine and staining technique resulted in the wave patterns of the floors…). Lastly, all of the display cases and seating are/ were created from pallets.”

“We became New England’s first and America’s second museum dedicated
to preserving the history of Black dolls.  The journey is never-ending, and the space may change. We share our humble beginnings to remind us to offer hope to those dreamers who feel hopeless and courage for those who feel discouraged. Anything is possible!”

• Debbie Britt,

Mansfield, MA. 2021