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American Girl®, acquired by Mattel in 1998,
produces a line of Historical Characters (dolls) that date from 1764 to 1974. Currently, the line contains 13 dolls including Addy®,
an African American doll; Emily®, an English doll; Ivy®, an Asian (American) doll; Josefina®, a New Mexican doll;
and Kaya®, a Native American doll.
Where is the Italian (American) doll?
In 2005, I contacted
American Girl requesting an Italian American doll be added to the Historical Collection. I received a very nice response -
in part, saying, "... this is a lengthy process ... we need a minimum of three years ..." I was hopeful that an Italian
American Girl Doll was in the works.
My follow-up
letter sent July, 2007 also received a nice reply, but this time instead of a time frame, I read, "Since our
plans are not definite, your suggestion is a valuable resource in helping us formulate our direction ..."
American Girl
needs more people requesting an Italian American doll. In August 2007, I posted my thoughts on an Italian forum, and
received just a few responses.
For quite some
time I have been thinking about collaborating with a well-known Italian spokeswoman to help publicize my campaign for
an Italian American doll.
While I have
not yet found an appropriate colleague, a recent conversation with a friend has prompted me to create this page
and ask everyone with daughters or granddaughters to contact Ellen L.
Brothers, the President of American Girl, and request that an Italian historical doll be added to the collection.
To help with your letter
you can mention:
The mass migration of Italians
during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and their contributions to the building of America
– in agriculture, mining, transportation, construction, and industry.
Italians settled in California, Louisiana, Pennsylvania,
Virginia, Ohio, New York,
New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, and many other states.
Today, Italian Americans are
a large ethnic group and continue to contribute to America.
The banking system, malls, Tropicana, Mr. Peanut, Chun King, Subway, Barnes & Noble, and the Radio Flyer wagon were all
created by Italians.
An Italian American historical
character should be recognized and represented with other nationalities as part of American history.
Send your letter to:
Ellen L. Brothers, President
American Girl
8400
Fairway Place
Middleton, WI 53562
Please be courteous and brief.
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