A party for kids, a program for adults
Jefferson and Greene County are joining in on what is likely to be an international “happening” in coming days – the commemoration or celebration of the 55th anniversary of the “Barbie” doll being introduced on March 9, 1959.
A program planned for Thursday, March 6, for children in grades K-2 has been postponed until April. Watch for details of the free “Barbie Fashion Runway Party.”
However, Sunday, March 9, the Greene County Historical Society is hosting two free events at the museum at 219 E. Lincoln Way, with the first one being for children. And all day, there will be a special display of an amazing 300-doll “Barbie” collection that was donated to the museum in 2003 by Jefferson native Arlene Klatt.
From 1 to 2 pm, there will be a “Barbie Birthday Party Bash” for ages 5 and up. Children are encouraged to bring their own Barbie, Ken and other dolls in their own collections, and to come dressed as Barbie if they want. There’ll be “Barbie doll scavenger hunt” throughout the museum and free treats.
At 3 pm, Carla Offenburger, who a decade ago taught a class at Buena Vista University on the global phenomenon of Barbie, will speak for an audience of older students and adults on “Barbie – a timeless treasure.”
Offenburger, who lives outside Cooper and is community relations director at Greene County Medical Center, said the enduring popularity of the Barbie doll gives it historical relevance. Adding to her own interest is that she is the same age as Barbie, and her own views about the doll have changed over the years.
“It is obvious that as she turns 55, Barbie has survived generations as a young girl’s toy,” Offenburger said. “But she’s also matured into a multi-generational icon. And that’s about a lot more than being a toy.”
Ces Brunow, president of the Historical Society, said that “the museum’s extensive Barbie doll collection is really something to see. And we think having two events on one day, a Barbie-themed birthday party for young girls, as well as a thoughtful presentation on Barbie’s impact on pop-culture, will bring in even more people to discover what our museum offers.”
She noted that Arlene Klatt, who donated the 300 dolls, now lives in retirement at Friendship Haven in Fort Dodge. “I’ve written to her expressing our appreciation and inviting her to the events,” Brunow said.
