Contact: Tom Cook 406-444-1645  Release: Receipt

STORY OF JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP DOLLS AT MHS FREE SECOND SATURDAY

                The author of a new book on what were called Friendship Dolls presented to Montana and other U.S. states in the 1920s will present a program based on the book at the Montana Historical Society’s free Second Saturday (April 9) at 1:30 p.m.

                North Carolina author Deanna Klingel will discuss and sign copies of her new book “Blue-Eyed Dolls,” Which tells the coming-of-age story on an eight-year-old girl who wants to be part of the historic exchange of dolls with Japan.

                “Miss Ishikawa,” which is the name of the doll presented to Montana and now part of the MHS collection, will be on exhibit all day Saturday. Admission to Montana’s Museum and the Original Governor’s Mansion is  free from 9 .m. to 5 p.m., sponsored by the Helena Community Credit Union.

                After the program those who attend can make their own traditional Japanese washi dolls out of paper and enjoy free refreshments. The new book is available in the MHS Museum Store.