Nellie O’Malley – American Girl

Nellie O’Malley, 1904

Nellie® lives in New York City, NY; she was born on October 15, 1895. Born to Irish immigrants, Nellie works for Samantha’s neighbors and is befriended by Samantha. She personifies the working-class immigrant experience of the time and teaches Samantha about the conditions faced by children who work in factories. Nellie and her sisters are orphaned and later adopted by Samantha’s relatives.

In 2004, American Girl broke new ground by introducing Nellie O’Malley as Samantha’s “Best Friend.” The Nellie doll was launched with a small collection of clothing and sold with a book written by Valerie Tripp. “Nellie’s Promise” is set in 1906 (Samantha’s core books run from 1904-1905). Despite challenges, Nellie is determined to honor the promise she made to her mother while keeping peace in her new family and holding true to her ideals. The Nellie doll was given the Josefina facemold, short strawberry-blonde hair, deep blue eyes, and freckles.

[Show as slideshow]