Dollhouses and the Mighty Power of Miniatures

Miniatures serve a wide variety of functions across the world, but one common theme is their ability to spark imagination, improve mood, and provide comfort—especially during difficult and uncertain times. In this talk, explore the surprising and inspiring history of miniatures. See how people have demonstrated astonishing creativity and resourcefulness in tiny scale during wars, economic disasters, and pandemics. Author Elise Hooper will share how restoring a dollhouse that has been in her family for five generations helped her connect with her own history and view the world as one filled with possibility. Speaker Bio: A former journalist, Elise Hooper is the author of five novels centered on the lives of extraordinary but overlooked historical women. Her debut novel, The Other Alcott, was a nominee for the 2017 Washington Book Award. Her newest book, The Library of Lost Dollhouses, was inspired by a dollhouse that’s been in her family for five generations. This program is supported as part of the Humanities WA Speakers Bureau.