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
lifelessons - a blog by Judy Dykstra-Brown 
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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Hi Janet. I’m still rearranging a bit, and then will send a link to Marilyn’s blog her friends are continuing. I miss her, don’t you?
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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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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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Thanks. Mine are mainly antique dolls and collectibles. I started collecting at 18 when an older boyfriend bought me several. I just kept going.
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I’m so glad that Marilyn’s collection found a good home in the doll museum.
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Me, too, Sadje. We were still playing dollies at our age…at least in our minds.
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I love to play with the dolls of my granddaughters
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Enlarging certainly paid off
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Yes..I had to work a bit to get it legible..then you had to do the rest! R.I.P. Marilyn.
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As I go through past posts, I see blogs that discuss her dolls. I have one scheduled for Sunday.
We are happy to see all the supporters of Marilyn’s posts continuing to stop by SERENDIPITY. I have sure the dolls will make regular appearances.
Thanks for posting this. The museum would be a lovely place to visit.
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Please put a link to my post so readers can see that she is being recognized for her collection.
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I have added a link to Sunday’s Dolls post. I just sent a message to Garry and Kaity with a link to your post. I am sure they will enjoy it.
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