Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Polish Dolls
Artifact ID1986.00041.01
Object Type
Doll
Maker
Barbara Potenga
(Huntington Woods, MI)
Gifter
Barbara Potenga
Date
1986
Medium
Textile, Plastic, Metal, Wood
DimensionsEach: 8 in. (20.3 cm)
Physical DescriptionA pair of dolls, male and female, on a wooden base. The dolls are dressed in Native Polish Krakovian folk dress. The woman is wearing a long-sleeved white blouse with a ruffle at the neck and cuffs; a green bodice with a red and yellow design; a red below-the-knee skirt with a pattern of pink and orange roses and green leaves; a red beaded necklace; a white lace apron; and black mid-calf boots. Her long brown hair is in braids, and she wears a floral crown. He is wearing a long-sleeved white shirt; a long black vest with red trim, green tassels, and gold buttons; a brown belt with a tambourine tucked underneath; red and white striped trousers tucked into black mid-calf boots; and a four-cornered red hat (krakuska) with black trim and feathers, flowers, and ribbons. His left hand is raised to his hat, and his right is around the woman.
On the wood base is a black plaque engraved "1-26-86 To: Nancy Reagan From: 'Krakow' with love, My best always, Barbara Polenga" in gold. On the bottom of the base is a sticker with an address in Poland.Historical NoteThe dolls were delivered to the East Gate of the White House while the gifter was visiting Washington, DC.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to First Lady Nancy Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President Office of Correspondence and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 6816363)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
In Collection(s)