Kentucky Doll and Toy Museum: The Cure for Toy Nostalgia

When faced with the thoughts of toys from their childhood most adults can't help but get nostalgic, myself included. Doll and toy nostalgia can be bittersweet especially when one considers that many of those cherished toys and dolls are nothing but memories.

Thankfully there are places to go where childhood memories meet with reality, like the "Kentucky Doll and Toy Museum" located in the quaint and historic downtown district of Carlisle, Kentucky.

What follows is a brief history of dolls and toys as well as information on the "Kentucky Doll and Toy Museum" where one can go and take a trip down memory lane.

Brief History of Dolls and Toys

For as long as there have been human children, there have been dolls and toys for those children to play with. Of course over the years the complexity and materials used to make the dolls and toys has changed quite a bit.

The 16^th and 17^th century brought with it the rise in popularity of wooden dolls and toys. Whereas the 18^th and 19^th century saw a rise in dolls made from composite, porcelain, wax, plastic, rags and bisque just to name a few.

Those that would like to read more on the history of dolls and toys can find a lengthier summary on the "Connecticut Doll Artists" website.

Museum Highlights

With over 300 relics from childhoods gone by it is hard to choose just one "Kentucky Doll and Toy Museum" collection to highlight.

The museum features a plethora of playthings from the 1800's and beyond including a large assortment of "King George VI" dolls, "Shirley Temple" composites, wooden dolls, porcelain dolls, china dolls, rag dolls, wind-up toys, mechanical toys, doll houses, fire truck toys and so much more.

In addition to the museum there is also an on-site doll hospital and a place to purchase antique dolls and toys.

Doll Hospital

Doll enthusiasts who have a cherished doll that is in need of a little expert tender loving care can contact the "Kentucky Doll and Toy Museum's" doll hospital.

The doll hospital staff is well versed in making basic doll repairs and has connections with experts for those hard to repair cases. Repair fees vary based on the severity of the damage and type of repair needed.

Hours of Operation and Admission Fees

As of 2010 the "Kentucky Doll and Toy Museum" is open Monday through Wednesday from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm as well as by advance appointment. Admission to the museum is complimentary.

Kentucky Doll and Toy Museum

106 West Main Street

Carlisle, KY 40311

859-289-3344

Source:

Connecticut Doll Artists, "A History of Dolls" Connecticut Doll Artists