Little Silver, Shrewsbury

Feb 08, 2023

Hello, Dolly! Shrewsbury Historical Society Displays Collection of Dolls from Around the World

By Lori Draz

The Shrewsbury Historical Society invites you to get an up-close look at an amazing collection of dolls from around the world. 

These vintage lovelies are on display at the Eastern Branch of the Monmouth County Library until Friday, March 3, before heading back to the Shrewsbury Historical Society’s headquarters in the Municipal Complex in Shrewsbury.

There are dolls for all, from large ladies dressed in their finest clothes to delicately crafted porcelain treasures. The collection includes a rare Girl Scout doll, a perfect reminder to purchase those Girl Scout cookies this season. 

There is also a collection of French Provincial Santon dolls, each with beautiful, expressive, hand- carved faces. They are dressed in the typical familiar dress of Normandy, Brittany and Provence farmers, fishermen, wives of farmers, a wine farmer and women collecting lavender. This whimsical assortment includes several valuable Madame Alexander dolls which are popular collectables.

There is even a rare bridal dress doll in the exhibit that plays “Here Comes the Bride” when you pull its string.

You will also see some intricate doll houses and learn the origins of many of these exquisite ladies.