Galveston, TX – Galveston County Museum in Galveston received a donation of the Opal Lee Barbie and everyone is invited to see it on exhibit for Women’s History Month.
At 99 years-old, Opal Lee is the oldest woman to be recreated as a part of Mattel’s Inspiring Women Series, which pays tribute to incredible heroines of their time. When Opal was 12, her family moved into a new home in Fort Worth. Just a few days later, on June 19, 1939, a mob destroyed their house and burned their belongings. Opal understood the significance of that particular day: Juneteenth marked the anniversary of the day in 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston to announce and enforce the freedom of slaves. Opal became a teacher, counselor, and community activist with the nickname of the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.” At the age of 89, she walked hundreds of miles from Fort Worth to Washington, DC, to petition lawmakers to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Opal Lee was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2024.
This special doll was donated to the museum by Doris and Sam Collins, III. “Miss Opal is a shining example of what is possible when a person never gives up on their goal and uses their voice to create change. It has been a joy working with her for several years and I am so happy to see Mattel recognize her with a Barbie doll in her likeness.”, said Galveston County Historical Commission member Sam Collins III.
This important new addition can be seen in on view in the lobby of the Galveston County courthouse at 722 Moody through May 2026. Visitors are encouraged to visit on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10 to 4, so that they can visit the Galveston County Museum, also in that building.
