Omaha Museum Honors Black History Through Thousands of Historic Dolls

Mama's Attic features over 3,000 dolls that tell the story of Black Americans from slavery to the present day.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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In Omaha, Nebraska, Mama's Attic museum honors Black history all year round with a collection of over 3,000 dolls spanning centuries. Executive Director and Founder LaVon Stennis-Williams says the museum started as a way to pay homage to her mother's legacy of collecting artifacts of Black history, including controversial Aunt Jemima and Mammy figurines. The museum features dolls from the 1800s with little to no facial features, progressing to more defined features over time, as well as famous dolls like Barbie's early Black versions.

Why it matters

Mama's Attic provides an important window into the evolution of how Black Americans have been represented through dolls and figurines, from dehumanizing caricatures to more authentic portrayals. By acknowledging this complex history, the museum aims to create a more wholesome and inclusive future.

The details

The museum features dolls from as early as the 1800s, starting with simple sock dolls with just a piece of yarn for a neck. Over time, the dolls became more defined, reflecting the growing representation of Black Americans. There is also an annex dedicated to Barbie dolls, including the first Black Barbie versions which were not initially allowed to be called Barbie. Some of the museum's items are controversial caricatures that were once used to dehumanize Black Americans, but are now donated by people who no longer want them in their homes.

  • Mama's Attic museum opened in Omaha, Nebraska.
  • The first Black Barbie dolls were created in 1980.

The players

LaVon Stennis-Williams

Executive Director and Founder of Mama's Attic museum in Omaha, Nebraska.

Jackie Ormes

Cartoonist who created the doll "Patty-Jo" to honor her main character in her comic strip "Torchy Brown".

Terri Lee Doll Company

The company that worked with Jackie Ormes to create the "Patty-Jo" doll.

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What they’re saying

“Mama's attic started as me trying to pay homage to my mother's legacy.”

— LaVon Stennis-Williams, Executive Director and Founder of Mama's Attic (KOAT.com)

“She felt we should not be ashamed of this lady, which we refer to as Aunt Jemima or the Mammy figure.”

— LaVon Stennis-Williams, Executive Director and Founder of Mama's Attic (KOAT.com)

“Working together, we can evolve into a more wholesome America.”

— LaVon Stennis-Williams, Executive Director and Founder of Mama's Attic (KOAT.com)

What’s next

Mama's Attic is open by appointment only, and visitors can learn more about the museum and its collection on its website.

The takeaway

Mama's Attic provides a powerful and thought-provoking look at the evolution of how Black Americans have been represented through dolls and figurines, from dehumanizing caricatures to more authentic portrayals. By acknowledging this complex history, the museum aims to create a more inclusive and equitable future.