Happy Birthday Raggedy Ann!

This Tuesday, September 7 we are celebrating Raggedy Ann's 95th birthday by showcasing "Raggedy Ann" related collections items in the Museum. “Raggedy Ann” was created in 1915 by Johnny Gruelle for his daughter, Marcella. Johnny Gruelle later wrote “Raggedy Ann Stories” in 1918, which was marketed successfully with the doll.

The first dolls were originally handmade, but as their popularity grew, they were commercially manufactured by PF Volland Company and subsequent others. Raggedy Ann’s brother, Raggedy Andy, was introduced in 1920 in “Raggedy Andy Stories.” He, too, was marketed successfully into a doll. Today, they are manufactured by Hasbro. Since that time, the dolls and the stories have provided countless hours of fun, play and learning for children everywhere!



Put on your looking eyes and see if you can find her during your next visit! And while you are looking high and low, don’t forget to encourage curiosity by asking open-ended questions and engaging your child in conversation.

For example: If you could create a new toy, what would it look like? Or simply gather materials and help them make their own "Raggedy Ann" dolls at home.

Happy 95th Birthday, Raggedy Ann!