The Fashion Archives & Museum of Shippensburg University, in collaboration with the Central Penn Doll Collectors Club, opened its latest exhibit, All Dolled Up!
The exhibit showcases a wide variety of dolls from the 19th and 20th centuries, exploring the cultural significance of dolls and their influence on childhood during these periods. Visitors can view displays of precious porcelain dolls, Barbie dolls and their precursors, and other historical dolls alongside period clothing that reflects how toys and fashion have evolved together throughout time.
The display is divided into three themes: “Little Mothers Bringing Up Baby,” “My Best Friend,” and “Exploring Adult Roles and Fashions.”
Dr. Karin Bohleke, director of the Fashion Archives & Museum, expressed her excitement for the exhibit:
“Dolls reflect culture, shape a child’s imagination and identity and offer a way of exploring both imagination and future life as an adult through play and doll fashions. Adult and children’s clothing from the same periods illustrate how toys and clothes resemble each other. Visitors will likely recognize dolls from their own childhood.” Fans of the Barbie movie will enjoy the examples of early original Barbies, as well as her precursors.
The Fashion Archives & Museum is open Monday to Thursday from 12 to 4 p.m. In response to popular demand, beginning April 12, the museum will also be open on Saturdays from 12 to 4 p.m. On the same date, updated admission fees will take effect: $5 for adults and $4 for seniors. Please note: the museum will be closed on Saturday, July 5, in honor of the national holiday.
The All Dolled Up! exhibit will be on display through November 20, 2025.
For more information, please contact fasharch@ship.edu or call (717) 477-1239.
The Fashion Archives and Museum is pleased to announce the opening of Happy Birthday! American Milestones from Lafayette to Today. In conjunction with the 250th anniversary, this exhibition explores how Americans celebrated their independence in 1826, 1876, 1926, 1976, and includes fashions from each time. Visitors will enjoy the luxurious silhouettes of the eighteenth century, colonial revival fashions of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, right up to the flappers of the 1920s and groovy styles of the 1970s. Historic souvenirs and textiles from these anniversaries illustrate Americans’ growing appreciation of their history and how they commemorated the nation’s founding through an increasing number and type of souvenirs.
Fashion Archives and Museum Director, Dr. Karin J. Bohleke, noted that the museum was “very fortunate to receive object loans from the Renfrew Museum and Park in Waynesboro and from other private collections” that supplement the wonderful artifacts chosen from the Fashion Archives holdings. “Once again,” she added, “thanks to an outside grant, we have benefitted from the return of exhibit designer Charles Mack. We are very grateful to have obtained this generous external support that made it possible for Chuck to work with the Applied History students. It is a significant learning opportunity for them to see how a designer brings together all the elements of an exhibit.”
The grand opening is on Thursday, April 23rd from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Regular hours continue to be Monday through Thursday from 12:00-4:00 p.m. and Saturday hours begin effective April 25 from 12:00-4:00 p.m. The exhibition will be closed on Saturday, July 4, for people to enjoy their families and friends and to participate in local celebrations. The last day to visit is Thursday, November 19, and the last Saturday opening hours are November 14. To schedule a group tour, please contact us at (717) 477-1239 or email us at fasharch@ship.edu. The Fashion Archives staff, students, and volunteers look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors and friends.
