Deb Britt began her remarkable collection of black dolls more than 50 years ago. Today, she has more than 10,000 items in that collection, now housed in North Attleboro’s newly opened National Black Doll Museum of History and Culture. It is the first museum in New England and the second museum in the nation dedicated to preserving the history of black dolls.

As a child’s first introduction to self-image, dolls are more than just toys. And for Britt, her remarkable collection was born from one man’s assault on her young self-image.

Britt came of age in Dorchester, Mass. during the Boston Busing Crisis — that period of time in which the Boston Public Schools were required to desegregate in accordance with the Racial Imbalance Act of 1965. It was a conflict that began in the courts but ultimately put children on the front line.

As a young teen who was one of the students bused to integrate the Frank V. Thompson School in Dorchester, she wasn’t exactly welcomed with open arms — by one teacher in particular.

“Back then, I integrated the school. And he wasn’t too happy,” said Britt. “This teacher told me I was not going to be able to become anybody. He told me that I came from Africa, and that I was a ‘bush boogie’. I had no idea what that was.”

In response, Britt began to study African tribes and their art.

“I wanted to find out what this place was, that I was supposedly from,” said Britt. “It made me start to look for dolls that looked like me…and now I have ten thousand of them,” she laughed.

What is the goal of the exhibit?
Though she used to actively seek out additions to her collection, most of her recent acquisitions are donated.

A former postal worker whose husband was a police officer, Britt ended up leaving full-time work to take care of a family that included 18 foster children in total, all now grown. For the past 20 years, the museum has been her full time job. In addition to her collection in Attleboro, she has several temporary exhibits on display in locations throughout New England.

Black dolls help tell the stories of African-American history; of enslaved Africans captured and relocated to a strange land. And as the founder and curator of one of the most significant collections of black dolls anywhere, Britt does not take her mission lightly.

That mission is three-fold: to nurture self-esteem, to promote cultural diversity, and to preserve the history of black dolls by educating the public on their significance. They use black dolls as both subject and artistic medium, collaborating with other museums, cultural centers, organizations, and individuals.

Accordingly, from March 1 through 16, about 100 dolls from the National Black Doll Museum will be displayed at Linden Place. This exhibit explores how children’s toys through the years reflect important aspects of social history and change, from the formation of racial stereotypes to inspirational resilience and creativity in response to societal pressures. Sponsored by Roger Williams University, the exhibit is free with a purchase of a ticket to tour Linden Place.

“After a small sample of the Doll Museum’s collection was presented at Linden Place last March, we sensed that a larger display would dovetail nicely with our museum’s focus on education, cultural diversity and inclusiveness,” said Linden Place Curator David Harrington. He adds that along with allowing visitors to look at history through a novel lens, the exhibit will help Linden Place tell an engaging story to all, including to the next generation of museum patrons: children.

Through a series of vignettes set up in various rooms of Linden Place, visitors to the exhibit will be immersed in the journey of enslaved people from different tribes in Africa to the Americas. In addition to showcasing the skills and traditions these artisans brought with them, the exhibit illustrates Linden Place’s 200-year history. On display are dolls made by enslaved people, African wrap dolls, Black cloth and paper dolls, and more.

Complementing this event, a doll making workshop will be held on Saturday, March 9 from 10 a.m. to noon. The techniques of the traditional art form, rooted in 18th century African American culture, have been adapted to offer this hands-on introduction, suitable for adults and children six years old and up. Participants will create their own three-dimensional figures used over centuries to enhance storytelling. The workshop will be held in the Linden Place Ballroom. Tickets for the doll making session are $10 per person and include all materials plus entrance to the mansion to see the full doll exhibit that day after the workshop concludes.

Tickets for Linden Place admission are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and $5 for children ages 7 to 12. The museum and exhibit are open noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays. For more information, visit Lindenplace.org.