In February 2025, The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures in Kansas City held its very first Black Dolls Symposium. One special part of the symposium featured a conversation between author Connie Porter, American Girl collector and museum founder Blake Changnon, and museum educator Janine Napierkowski. They came together to talk about Addy Walker, the first Black doll made by Pleasant Company in 1993.

An update from Blake Changnon, founder, president, and CEO of The Changnon Family Museum of Toys and Collectibles on his birthday.

At the 2024 Northeast Popular Culture Association conference, Blake Changnon and Janine Napierkowski gave a virtual talk called Stories to Live By. Their session looked at the connections between two popular brands many children and adults know: American Girl and Girl Scouts.

Here is the story of how two American Girl fans met and became good friends. 

Meet Janine Napierkowski: Girl Scout and American Girl fan.

Meet Blake Changnon, the president, CEO and founder of The Changnon Family Museum of Toys and Collectibles.

A message from Blake Changnon, founder, president, and CEO of The Changnon Family Museum of Toys and Collectibles, about the upcoming documentary, All American Girls.

A note from our president, CEO and founder, Blake Changnon, on Addy Walker’s birthday.

Thirty years later, Addy, her playthings, and more importantly, her stories, continue to make an impact in the lives of children and adults.

Discover why Addy matters today.