Step back in time to 1994, the 35th anniversary of Mattel’s bestselling doll Barbie. Join Storyteller Lynn Rymarz as she portrays Ruth Handler, the creator of Barbie. Hear not only the beginnings of Barbie, from inspiration to creation, but discover Ruth’s beginnings, the last of ten children born to Polish Jewish parents. Lynn will share about Ruth’s growing up in Denver, marrying, and moving to California where she and her husband founded the toy company Mattel. The rest as they say is history, however there is more to Ruth’s story than Barbie.

Lynn will share Ruth’s autobiography, a vintage Barbie, photos, posters and more.

Bring your own Barbie to share.

Reviews

“Thank you for debuting your new program, “Ruth Handler: The Story Behind her Dream Doll Barbie” at the Niles Historical Society on Saturday, March 16, 2024. We had the best attendance we’ve had in years. All attendees thoroughly enjoyed the program which was not only educational, but inspiring and resulted in a wonderful afternoon.  Overall feedback from the attendees was regardless whether they saw the Barbie movie or not, they learned new facts about Ruth’s life journey and how she truly was a leading female pioneer in the business world.”

— Barbara Karawacki, Museum Coordinator,
Niles Historical and Cultural Center

“Lynn does such an excellent job portraying Ruth. Her enthusiasm and passion for her subject is especially evident. Our audience connected immediately with Lynn’s passion!”

— Christine Dalphy, Library Associate,
Geneva Library

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