Mama's Attic- African American History Center and Doll Museum

06/19/2026

All proceeds will go to support Mama’s Attic efforts to provide free admission

06/08/2026

The final proof copy of Ms. Sarah Turns 75 arrived today and I love it and hope you will too. It’s now headed for printing with a launch date of June 19th. I couldn’t wait to share the proof copy along with the very first Saralee doll, which the book is about, I purchased in 2025. The doll is still very difficult to find, but I have build a collection of all three versions and I rarely pass up buying one when I see one for sale.
So, mark your calendars and head to Amazon next week to purchase your copy. For you collectors or those who want to support the mission of Mama's Attic- African American History Center and Doll Museum, a limited edition doll and book bundle is available for 75.00. (I lowered the price) All proceeds go to support Mama’s Attic free admission and community programs.
The book and doll bundle is sold on a first come basis. To reserve your book and doll - email [email protected]

06/06/2026

At Mama's Attic Doll Museum, our collection includes both original Black dolls and one-of-a-kind (OOAK) dolls that I have personally repainted. Many of these repainted dolls exist because manufacturers never produced a Black version of an otherwise popular doll. As a result, Black children and collectors were often denied the opportunity to see themselves reflected in dolls that their white counterparts enjoyed.

The collection also includes a number of OOAK dolls that were recreated because authentic Black versions are now extremely difficult to find. In many cases, manufacturers produced Black dolls in very limited quantities, making surviving examples rare and often inaccessible to collectors. Through careful restoration and repainting, these dolls help tell the story of both the lack of representation in the doll industry and the determination of Black families and collectors to create and preserve that representation for future generations.

These dolls are not intended to mislead collectors or be presented as original factory-produced rarities. Rather, they serve as artistic interpretations and historical statements about diversity, inclusion, and the importance of seeing Black children represented in the toys they loved.

When painting a doll, it may take me days to decide on the right shade of brown. That is not a complaint—it is a recognition of the remarkable diversity within Black representation. There is no single “Black” skin tone. Our complexions span a beautiful spectrum of hues, undertones, and shades, each reflecting the richness of our heritage and individuality. The time spent choosing the right color is a reminder that representation is not one-size-fits-all; it is an opportunity to celebrate the many ways Black beauty exists and deserves to be seen.

06/03/2026

🎉 COMING JUNE 19, 2026 🎉

MISS SARAH TURNS 75

A Story of Culture, Identity, and History

For generations, Black dolls have helped tell the story of a people, a culture, and a history often overlooked.

The beloved SaraLee Doll was created to celebrate the beauty, dignity, and heritage of African American children while providing positive cultural representation through play and collecting. More than a doll, SaraLee became a symbol of pride, identity, and history.

In Miss Sarah Turns 75, readers follow Miss Sarah as she reflects on her life, her treasured SaraLee doll, and the memories, traditions, and lessons passed from one generation to the next. Through her story, readers discover the importance of preserving family history, cultural identity, and the legacy of Black dolls for future generations.

📖 Available June 19, 2026

🛒 Purchase on Amazon

✍🏽 Written by LaVon Stennis-Williams

🏛️ Published by Mama's Attic Press

About the Author

LaVon Stennis-Williams is the founder of Mama's Attic Doll Museum, dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of African American dolls and their cultural significance. Through storytelling and education, she works to ensure these important pieces of history continue to inspire future generations.

Learn • Remember • Preserve • Celebrate

05/28/2026

I am very proud of the doll museum and the diversity of dolls I continue to curate. whether you are a collector or not, you will enjoy your visit and learning about the history of dolls and what they say about the history of African Americans experiences over the years. Our dolls represent three centuries of America’s history on race and culture. ( These dolls are currently being prepped at the doll studio to join dolls at the museum)

05/23/2026

05/20/2026

Mama’s Attic is open by appointment. Admission is free, and donations are greatly appreciated. Please visit www.mamasattic.org to schedule a visit.

Mama’s Attic provides carefully researched exhibits that are curated around a historical theme and changed every 3 months.

05/20/2026

Yesterday, the group held their monthly meeting at Mama’s Attic and followed it with a visit to each of the museums.

05/20/2026

We welcomed the PEO group and a good time was had by all. What a lovely group.

05/17/2026

Mama’s Attic Celebrates the 72nd Anniversary today of the landmark decision Brown v Board ( May 17, 1954) that ended legalized segregation in public education with a special curated exhibit. “ With All Deliberate Speed.” The exhibit will be on display until May 30th.