American Girl Retires The Classic Samantha Doll.

Dear American Girl fan,

We’re writing with important news about an American Girl original, Samantha Parkington®. Soon, Samantha’s complete collection—including Nellie® and her accessories—will be moving into the American Girl Archives™. While Samantha™ has been one of American Girl’s most popular historical characters since her introduction in 1986, we felt the timing was right to preserve her place in American Girl’s history, making it possible to introduce new characters and time periods for our customers to enjoy.

When my daughter was young, I did a couple of projects for The Pleasant Company, the original creators of the American Girl dolls. Jaded as I was after working in Manhattan’s ad biz, this Wisconsin-based company knocked my socks off, especially the new product rooms with their authentic doll-sized toys and accessories. Think Project Runway for Kids. As is my way, I tested everything from the doll to the dresses on my own personal focus group — my own American Girl. Her Samantha doll traveled the world with us. Our version’s not quite been retired — but she may be sound asleep in my daughter’s closet, right next to that Back Street Boys poster.