Soviet Peace Doll
Artifact ID1986.00283.01
Object Type
Doll
Gifter
Yekaterina Lycheva
Date
1981-1986
Medium
Fabric (felt)
Dimensions17 in. (43.2 cm)
Physical DescriptionA stuffed doll in the shape of a globe with arms and legs. The doll is made of various shades of blue plush felt. Latitude and longitude marks are on the face, which has blue and white felt eyes and a red vinyl mouth. The doll is wearing a red, white, and blue kerchief with a round blue globe and dove logo lettered МОСКОВСКИЙ КОМИТЕТ ЗАЩИТЫ МИРА [MOSCOW WORLD PROTECTION COMMITTEE] in red. It is wearing shoes out of darker blue and white felt. There is some reddish orange yarn sticking out of the top for hair. It is holding a white felt peace dove with a red beak, feet, and blue eyes in its right hand.Historical NoteThe doll, "from Soviet children," was given to President Ronald Reagan by Fifth Grade student Yekaterina "Katya" Lycheva of Moscow, USSR, who had been named a Soviet "Goodwill ambassador" in 1986. Lycheva and her mother met with a fellow student, Star Rowe of California, and President Reagan in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House. Speaking through a translator, she said, “I’d like you to have this toy very much. It shows how our children and the whole Soviet people want peace...we might perhaps do away with all nuclear weapons on earth before I grow up.” In English she added, "I think that then the children will be happy." President Reagan responded, "You want to know something? I’m not a child anymore, but I’ll be happy too."
The photo op had been arranged by the California-based Children for Peacemakers Foundation. Lycheva and Rowe visited cities across the US, including New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Ronald 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.
Country/CultureUnion of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR)RussiaIn Collection(s)
Related Links
Photograph: Photo opportunity with Yekaterina Lycheva, fifth grade Soviet student touring the United States sponsored by the California-based "Children for Peacemakers Foundation" in the White House Ground Floor Corridor 03/27/1986 c34019-01
Video: President Ronald Reagan's Photo Opportunities on the Ground Floor Corridor, Oval Office and then Departure from the South Lawn on March 27, 1986. President Reagan Meeting with Yekaterina Lycheva of the Soviet Union on the Ground Floor Corridor. March 27, 1986