So, I realized that there are still a bunch of photos from my American Girl Place Chicago trip that I have not posted. Below is a picture I took the first weekend in May – just prior to the release of Rebecca. The historical vignette case from the Samantha collection was the last piece of her display to be removed from the store. I was told it was about to be removed so it could be replaced by the Rebecca display.

I love these vignette’s they do for each of the historical dolls. It really helps tie together the actual history and items of the time period with the dolls and their stories.

More of my photos coming soon!

When I heard the news that Samantha’s collection was going to be retired, I knew I needed to order Samantha and Nellie right away. Originally I had planned on giving them to my daughter for Christmas, but once she saw Chrissa and found out that Chrissa is on a swim team, she no longer seemed interested in Sam and Nellie.

I ordered them anyhow and couldn’t believe how pretty Nellie is up close! Samantha is just so classic (and looks like me when I was younger).

Christmas has come and gone, Chrissa has been ordered (even though her swim gear won’t be here anytime soon) and I just couldn’t take it anymore. I had to bring Samantha and Nellie out this evening. The dolls are mine (along with Felicity) but my daughter gets to take care of them and let them stay in her room with all the other dolls).

Miss N was so genuinely happy and appreciative to have Sam and Nellie join her dolls. She immediately started reading Nellie’s book and helped me find a space on her cabinet for them.

Check out the new photo gallery for more photos of Samantha, Nellie and other dolls from our collection and Doll Diaries readers’ collections.

And while most of Samantha and Nellie’s collection have been retired for the time being, you can still get a lot of it on the secondary market.

Rumor has it that the next American Girl Historical character will be Rebecca, a Jewish girl from the late 1800s to early 1900s. Since that time period is very close to the one for Samantha, I wonder if the release of this new doll is the reason for Samantha’s archiving.

No word yet on a release date, author for her books or any other details. Again, this is just rumor (one that may have been substantiated though). Stay tuned for more. Or better yet, if you know anything, leave a comment.

The announcement that American Girl is archiving their star Samantha doll has caused an outpouring of emotion for doll lovers of all ages. When the announcement first came out, I ordered my Samantha and Nellie dolls because I was unsure of how long they would still be around – I am now glad I did.

According to the American Girl website, Samantha is backordered until December 18. And while I suppose you could still order her – especially if you are not buying it as a Christmas gift, I wonder how many are really coming in at that time. Last week I called the American Girl New York store to order a Bitty Baby for my niece. The one I wanted was on back order according to the web site and I happen to know that that is not tied to the stock in the stores. My personal shopper was able to get me the right Bitty Baby from the New York store stock so I asked her about Samantha, too. She said that they only have a few left in the store and expected to be sold out by the end of the weekend.

So, if you haven’t already got the Samantha and Nellie items you are looking for, what do you do?

• Check the American Girl website – there is free shipping until November 25 anyhow
• Call the individual American Girl stores – ask for someone in personal shopping. If they have it on the store shelves, they will ship it directly to you
• Check eBay. While there are some ridiculously greedy people selling on eBay, there are also many more who are fair and you can still get your doll and her items at a reasonable price. (Here is a custom eBay search page just for American Girl doll items)

UPDATE 12/9/08 – a friend was at the American Girl Place store in New York and reports that the Samantha display is no longer there and Samantha is sold out in the store. Ebay seems to be the best option for gettinig the retired Samantha and Nellie items now.

Today American Girl will announce that Samantha Parkington, one of the original American Girl historical characters, will be archived or as some call it, retired.

Doll Diaries has partnered with American Girl to let readers and Samantha fans from across the globe say farewell. The upper right part of the Doll Diaries page contains a special message area where you can read farewell messages to Samantha and then if you click on it, you can go to the American Girl site and leave your own message.

Tell your friends or post about it on your favorite American Girl message board – but this is your opportunity to send Samantha a special message and let American girl know how much she will really be missed!!

From an email from American Girl via a few readers:

Dear Samantha™ Fan,

We’re writing with important news about an American Girl original, Samantha Parkington®. As one of her biggest fans, we wanted you to be among the first to know that 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.

Starting today, we’re inviting American Girl fans to share their favorite Samantha memories (see below) as a way of commemorating Samantha and the impact she’s had on girls for more than 22 years. Whether it’s remembering your beloved Samantha doll or an important lesson learned from her books, we want to hear your story.

We hope you’ll join us in celebrating Samantha! Watch for more information via our catalogues or at americangirl.com. In the meantime, don’t miss the opportunity to purchase items from Samantha’s collection before it’s too late. Thank you again for your continued support.

Sincerely,

American Girl
P.S. Though Samantha will soon be moving into the American Girl Archives, her stories will live on! You’ll continue to find Samantha books at americangirl.com, at American Girl stores, and at booksellers nationwide.

Oh, this is is so sad! Samantha is one of my favorite dolls. What do you think is behind this move? Is she not popular enough? Or are they really making room for a new character?