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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Sara Lee Doll
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Sara Lee Doll

Artifact IDMO 2010.1
Object Type Doll
Designer (American businesswoman and social activist, 1916-2008)
Artist (American sculptor, 1894-1969)
Maker (American, 1907-1997)
Dateca. 1951-1953
Mediumplastic (vinyl), fabric, paint
Dimensionsoverall H 18 in x W 13 in x D 14 in (45.7 cm x 33 cm x 35.6 cm )
Physical DescriptionA Saralee [also known as "Sara Lee"] black baby doll. She is wearing a white fabric dress with linen underdress and bloomers, and on her head is a white fabric bonnet with blue trim. The body of the doll is made of vinyl and fabric-covered cotton stuffing, and the "hair" is molded and painted. When the doll is laid down her eyes close, and when she is turned over she makes a crying sound.

The manufacturer's name is on the back of the doll's neck: IDEAL DOLL.
Historical NoteDuring the early 1950s, Mrs. Roosevelt helped promote the development and sale of the Saralee doll, one of the first realistic Black baby dolls produced and sold in the United States.

Prior to the 1950s, negative, exaggerated, and unattractive depictions of Black children were common in the toy industry. Dolls that accurately depicted African Americans were non-existent or not widely marketed.

The Saralee doll was developed by Sara Lee Creech (1916-2008), a white businesswoman and social activist from Belle Glade, Florida. After observing Black children playing with white dolls, she became interested in creating opportunities for them to have Black dolls. With assistance from her friend Zora Neale Hurston, Creech solicited advice on the doll’s design from Black educators, religious leaders, and public officials. She also approached ER for assistance. In October 1951, Mrs. Roosevelt hosted a group of African American leaders that included Walter White, Ralph Bunche, Charles Johnson, Mordecai Johnson, and Jackie Robinson. They were invited to examine prototypes and consult on the best skin tone for the doll. Their support helped convince the Ideal Toy Corporation to produce the doll. ER promoted the doll in her “My Day” column and purchased 500 to give away.

The Saralee doll was marketed as “Ideal’s Beautiful Saralee Negro Doll ‘More than just a doll. . . . An Ambassador of Good Will.’” It was featured in Ebony, Time, Life and other publications. “I think they are a lesson in equality for little children,” ER wrote to Sara Lee Creech, the doll’s creator, “and we will find that many a child will cherish a charming black doll as easily as it will a charming white doll.”

The doll is currently on display in the FDR Library's special exhibition, BLACK AMERICANS, CIVIL RIGHTS, AND THE ROOSEVELTS, 1932-1962.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Charlotte Klein in 2009.
Credit LineGift of Charlotte Klein
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGift Items and Commemorative Artifacts (National Archives Identifier 782690)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
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On view
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