Polar Park Hosts the "Harvey Ball", and a New Home for the National Black Doll Museum

Harvey Ball’s iconic “smiley face” adorns posters, stickers, masks, you name it – all over the world. Created by a Worcester artist, the smiley face is now synonymous with Worcester – even serving as the mascot of the Worcester Red Sox! The Worcester Historical Museum has also paid tribute to Ball by dubbing their major annual fundraiser the “Harvey Ball”, which is taking place this year at Polar Park. Co-chairs Ursula Arello and Karon Shea join Nichole to share details of the event, this year’s honoree, and how it benefits the museum. Two local sisters, Felicia Walker and Deb Britt, teamed up with their family to showcase their extensive collection of Black dolls in Mansfield, opening the National Black Doll Museum of History and Culture. Felicia and Deb have been using their collection as a teaching tool, providing historical context and inspiration for Black children all over the region. COVID-19 forced them to close their brick and mortar location, but now they’re looking to make a comeback. Felicia talks with Nichole about their journey to this moment and their plans for a brand new space in Attleboro.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.