The American Girl Collection was originally available only through mail-order catalogs. Several more historical dolls were added (Felicity, Addy, Josefina) and by 1997 their combined stories spanned periods in U.S. history from 1764 to 1944.

In 1992, American Girl expanded to help affirm self-esteem, celebrate achievements, and foster creativity in today’s girls with the launch of American Girl® magazine, It currently ranks among the top ten children’s magazines in the nation and is the largest magazine dedicated exclusively to girls.

In 1995, a line of contemporary 18-inch Just Like You® dolls were introduced, that represent the individuality and diversity of today’s American girls. American Girl also introduced Bitty Baby® and the Bitty Twins®-soft, (for younger girls ages 3-6). Both Bitty’s are huggable baby and toddler dolls that encourage nurturing behavior.

In the Fall of 1997, AmericanGirl.com was launched.

In 1998, Mattel, Inc.-the world’s leading toy company – acquired American Girl. That same year, American Girl established its first retail store in Chicago, and has continued to open locations in major markets across the country.

In 2003, the first Made-for-TV movies and a new feature film are the latest ways we’re connecting with girls, bringing their favorite stories to life on screen.

January 5th 2009 – Chrissa Stands Strong – The first ever Girl of the Year movie premieres on HBO

Today – American Girl continues to expand its Historical collection by adding new dolls from different eras in American history, and occassionally retiring a doll.

For more information about all things related to the American Girl Dolls, visit My Daughter Loves the American Girl Dolls.

Felicity Merriman was the first doll added to the American Girl Doll Historical Collection in 1991. She became the fourth Historical Doll, following Kirsten Larson(1854), Samantha Parkington (1904) and Molly McIntire (1944), the original three historical dolls which launched the collection in 1986.

Felicity Merriman was born on April 21, 1765 and has grown up to be a spirited girl living in Williamsburg Virginia in 1774; just before the American Revolution.

Felicity likes the outdoors, and her favorite activity is riding horses. She doesn’t want to do “what all colonial girls are expected to do, the sitting down kinds of things”. She is a spunky and spirited girl who believes the American Colonies should be free. However, Felicity’s grand father and her best friend, Elizabeth, feel that the King of England, who lives far away, is the best person to rule the colonies. Felicity’s feelings are torn and she must find a way to hold both love and loyalty in her heart. This is a common theme in Felicity’s books, loyalty and staying true to ones ideals.

In 2002 Felicity, her outfits, accessories and furniture were removed from the American Girl catalogue and were only made available through the online store. As as results, she was essentially retired as a full member of the American Girl Doll collection until 2004. Due to the strength of the sales of Felicity at the New York American Girl Place store (and some negative feedback) brought her back from the brink of retirement. Some of her previously retired items were reintroduced and her best friend, Elizabeth Cole, was added as part of the Felicity collection.

For more information about all things related to the American Girl Dolls, visit My Daughter Loves the American Girl Dolls.