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The Simpich Dolls

Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum

November 10, 2007-April 1, 2008

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The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum's newest exhibit features the world-famous Simpich Character Dolls from Old Colorado City's own Simpich Company. This exhibit, opening on November 10th, highlights a wonderland of doll figurines taken from fairytales, holiday traditions, literature, and history. The exhibit examines the history and success of the Simpich business through catalogs, newsletters, photographs, signage, and the oral histories of Simpich family members, workers, and collectors. With well over 100 figurines, the gallery comes alive with the animation of Simpich characters. Included in the exhibit are examples of the first Caroler set ever made, as well as Cloud Babies, Angels, Santas, and Elves. Also incorporated are storybook dolls such as Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, historical figures including Abraham Lincoln and David Simpich's creative circus marionettes. All show the range and depth of the Simpich talent. The Simpich dolls originated in 1952 when Jan and Bob Simpich, who were unable to afford store bought items, made sets of figurines out of "found" material as Christmas gifts for their parents. Not long after, family and friends were asking for similar sets. Soon, what started out as a resourceful family treasure flourished to become a busy home workshop and thriving cottage industry. In 1978 the family home could no longer contain the bustling studio. The Simpich family moved the business to an old-fashioned retail store in Old Colorado City until Jan and Bob's retirement in 2006.

• At-a-Glance
• Media Reviews
• What's Nearby

• Ticket Info

  Tickets: Free

• Dates & Times

  Dates:
  November 10, 2007-April 1, 2008

  Times:
  9:00am to 5:00pm Tuesdays through Saturdays.

• Venue Info

  Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum

  215 S. Tejon Street Colorado Springs, CO 80903

  Full map and directions

• Accessibility Info

  • Wheelchair Access

• NOTE: We do our best to ensure all information is accurate, however it's a good idea to visit the website or call the venue to verify the information.