Month-long exhibit is free for the community and will kick off with a family-friendly activity weekend for doll lovers.  

New York State Senator April N.M. Baskin will host the seventh annual Black Doll Exhibit to celebrate Black History Month at the Buffalo Museum of Science, kicking off with a family-friendly activity weekend on Feb. 7 and 8. Curated by local doll collector Lisa Jacobs-Watson, the annual Black Doll Exhibit examines the importance of representation and how dolls can be critical to young people’s development of identity and imagination. The theme of this year’s collection is “Through the eyes of Black dolls: Our history will not be erased.”

I am excited to again sponsor the Black Doll Exhibit for the seventh year in a row,” Sen. Baskin said. “This year’s theme reminds us that representation of Black voices, stories, and experiences are not optional. These dolls — carefully chosen from Curator Lisa Jacobs-Watson’s extensive collection — tell stories of resilience, imagination, and belonging. This exhibit shows young people that their stories matter and their history is worthy of being seen. Through the eyes of Black dolls, we affirm that our history, culture, and identity will not be erased. Thank you to the Buffalo Museum of Science for hosting the collection so children and families of all backgrounds can engage with our history.

For decades, I have collected dolls not just as keepsakes, but as symbols of representation,” Jacobs-Watson said. “Each doll in this exhibit carries a story, preserves our history, and affirms our culture and identity. When young people see dolls that look like them, they learn that they belong, that they are valued, and that their history deserves to be honored. I am proud to share this collection with the community and to remind young people that who they are matters.

The Black Doll Exhibit is free for the community. Tickets to the museum are not needed to visit the exhibit. 

Beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, community members can visit the exhibit and participate in several free activities. 

From 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., WBLK host ADRI.V will host a doll show-and-tell, where doll lovers can bring their favorite dolls and share their story. Also from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., clothing designer Christine Demetria Wingo, owner of demeBeatty, will share hands-on sewing techniques for making doll clothes. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite doll and will get to bring home the clothes they make.

Show-and-tell and doll crafts will continue throughout the day, as well as storytime with award-winning children’s author Kara M. Perez, who will read her books and share a special surprise.

On Sunday, the award-winning Netflix documentary “Black Barbie” will be shown from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with showings starting at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. The documentary shares the untold story of the first Black Barbie doll and the pivotal role that three trailblazing Black women had in working with the Mattel Company in 1980 to produce a doll that looked like them.

We are proud to partner with Senator Baskin and Ms. Jacobs to bring this powerful exhibit to the Buffalo Museum of Science this February,” said Gary Siddall, President and CEO of the Buffalo Museum of Science. “Both the science museum and this special exhibit share a vision for inspiring visitors to imagine what’s possible — for themselves and for our collective future. We are delighted to offer this uplifting experience free of charge to everyone who walks through our doors.

The Black Doll Exhibit will be on display at the Buffalo Museum of Science, 1020 Humboldt Parkway, Buffalo, from Feb. 7 through Feb. 28 during the museum’s open hours. 

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