Events

Historical Dolls at Torrance Historical Society Museum

The month of May is Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, and in celebration, the Torrance HistoricalSociety invites the public to stop by the Museum to find the doll dressed in the traditional clothing of countries and regions from all over the world that reflect their family’s heritage.  The Museum’s international collection of 200+ “regional dress” dolls was donated by Agnes Whorton Brewster in 1979, who acquired them from each country she visited as she traveled around the world.  These dolls are also known as “travel dolls,” because most were sold as tourist souvenirs.  Another name for them is “regional dress dolls.”

This collection is of particular interest to the young students who visit the Museum, as the figures enable them to perceive the variety of outfits worn by their ancestors and those of their classmates from other countries.

Most students only see this ethnic diversity of clothing during special international day celebrations.

AAPI Heritage Month celebrates the historical and cultural contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander people—an umbrella group which includes those with heritage or ancestry from East, Southeast, South, Central, and West Asia and the Pacific Islands.

The Torrance Historical Society & Museum is located at 1345 Post Avenue, Torrance, CA 90501, and is open free to the public Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.  Special hours can be arranged for private tours or research. For additional info, please call the Museum at 310.328.5392 or visit www.TorranceHistoricalSociety.org