Few tangible things evoke childhood memories more rapidly than the sight of a favorite period toy, game, comic book, T-shirt, doll or action figure.
Think now of a museum, so mind-boggling in its collection of these pop culture icons that one trip barely scratches the surface of the treasures within. Such is the case with Geppi’s Entertainment Museum at Camden Yards.
And since the museum’s opening in September 2006, each special exhibit has been eagerly anticipated, with this newest one causing quite a stir among Barbie doll lovers.
You know who you are. You may have owned the very first Barbie models that debuted in 1959, you bought them over the years for your daughters, and you may be collecting the commemorative series today. Rejoice then in Geppi’s latest exhibit focusing on America’s favorite pony-tailed fashion doll. This Barbie retrospective titled “50 Fashionable Years” will run from Dec. 20 through May 31, 2009.
The panoramic display includes more than 60 dolls from the Barbie franchise, a variety of accessories and — can it be? — the vintage Barbie car.
“Before Barbie, it was assumed that girls only wanted to play with baby dolls,” said GEM’s curator, Dr. Arnold T. Blumberg. “But in 1955, Ruth Handler bought a German Bild Lilli doll, [an] adult female doll with an extensive wardrobe.”
Blumberg notes that Handler’s own daughter preferred to play with the adult doll, and so she decided to develop her own version of a fashion doll.
“With the help of her husband, Elliott, who just happened to run Mattel-Handler, she bought the Lilli patent, named the new version after her daughter’s nickname, and Barbie Millicent Roberts was born,” he continued.
In the first year of production, more than 350,000 dolls were sold. In 10 years, Barbie generated more than half-a-billion dollars in sales, becoming the worldwide icon she remains to this day.
No doubt there will be exclamations of delight and recognition (as so often fill the halls) from those visiting the museum.
“This [exhibit] is a real walk down memory lane,” said Julie Meddows, director of sales and marketing. “We love to hear all the stories because the tellers are sharing and reconnecting with their childhood.”
Barbie: “50 Fashionable Years”
» Where: Geppi’s Entertainment Museum, 301 W. Camden St., Baltimore
» When: Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
» Admission: $10 adults, 9 seniors, $7 students ages 5 to 18 (children 4 and under are free)
» More info: 410-625-70-60; www.geppismuseum.com
