Marilyn Armstrong Doll Collection

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Be Sure to double click on photos to enlarge!

As longtime friends in blogging, Marilyn Armstrong and I often found ourselves discussing dolls that we owned in common. Little did I know how many dolls she owned, but eventually, when she decided that she’d like to find a permanent home for her dolls where they could all be exhibited together, I told her of a doll museum in the works that I had visited during my last 5 year school reunion in the town where I grew up. .  This eventually led to a discussion between its founder, Andrea Miller Sheehan, and Marilyn, and the result was that Marilyn shipped her entire collection off to her.  This year, when I returned  for the reunion, I was able to see Marilyn’s complete display. Her writeup of her collection can be read if you click on it and then  enlarge it a bit more, as is true of all of the photos.  I’m sure Marilyn’s family and friends who have continued her blog would love to hear your comments.

As I understand it, the museum is still under development as its owner has had family health issues over the past five years that have kept her from completing the installations. Fortunately, Marilyn’s displays are completed and  hopefully, the museum will soon be finished and open. It is located in Murdo, South Dakota, just off Interstate 90 between Rapid City and Mitchell, just 50 miles east of Wall Drug.  I’ll keep you informed about developments and give better instructions about how to find it when it has opened permanently.
–Judy Dykstra-Brown, July 21, 2026

 

10 thoughts on “Marilyn Armstrong Doll Collection”

  1. slmret's avatarslmret

    Marilyn often wrote about her doll collection, but like you, I had no idea of the size and scope of her collection! They are beautiful, and it’s great that they could be kept together!

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  3. robbiesinspiration's avatarrobbiesinspiration

    Hi Judy, I also followed Marilyn’s blog and knew about her wonderful doll collection. I met Marilyn through the late blogger, Sue Vincent. I also have a doll collection which fills 4 cabinets. A lovely post. Thank you for sharing it.

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    1. lifelessons's avatarlifelessons Post author

      Is your collection in your home, Robbie? Mine was just a normal little girl’s collection but I still have most of it. The Storybook dolls I took the heads off of and included each in a retablo. I think I’ve done a blog on them. Have to look.

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