A fascinating look at miniatures is explored in The History Museum’s exhibit, Lifting the Roof: The World of Dollhouses, on view June 22, 2024 – July 20, 2025. The exhibit is presented with support from Notre Dame Federal Credit Union, Melanie Sanchez-Jones and Steve Jones, Hayes Family Foundation, Aimee and Patrick Matthews, Mary Ann Matthews-Derda, and Colleen Matthews Katranis.

Lifting the Roof: The World of Dollhouse showcases over 20 dollhouses. Many of the structures on view are from The History Museum’s collection, given by individuals across the St. Joseph River Valley. Some were formerly used as teaching tools at the Hannah Lindahl Children’s Museum of Mishawaka prior to their collection being acquired by The History Museum. Still others were collected or constructed by a local collector, Mo Miller. Some of the dollhouses showcased in the exhibit are the Guske Dollhouse, built by David Guske and a replica of a 1904 Victorian house; one built for J.M. Studebaker for his daughters, one built by Mishawaka Fire Chief Louis Ludwig to teach fire safety; Barbie’s Dream House; and a handmade “Mouse Mansion.”

Dollhouses have captivated us and been part of our culture for years. Decorating their interiors and designing their exteriors is just part of our fascination with these miniature houses. Lifting the Roof: The World of Dollhouses chronicles their history from as far back as the 1700s, when some showed the wealth of European manors. The miniature homes were copies of their owners’ houses, and the furniture inside was replica furniture made of exotic wood, lavish window coverings, and tiny paintings. They were meant as symbols of a lady’s wealth and social status. Over the centuries, dollhouses slowly made the transition from status symbols to children’s playthings, and the focus turned to fun and imagination. Houses were built by parents to entertain their children, and gradually they were picked up by mainstream society.