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It is July, and we have united forces to bring you a star-spangled edition of The Mini Times. From our Native roots so beautifully exemplified by the American Indian legend of the cornhusk dolls' creation, to America's House by NAME member Debby Baraba, we salute the traditions and symbolism that define our values as Americans.

Let's all cheer our friends at the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts who are celebrating their 40th anniversary next week in Charlotte, North Carolina. NAME's brilliant mission states "Only through sharing can we really enjoy our treasures!" Look for their calendar of events in this edition and explore your local and regional clubs. A membership in NAME also includes an annual subscription to the Miniature Gazette - a terrific value and a great way to stay informed.

We have so much to share this month including our latest video on the big role of the little Bliss House. You will also find fascinating information on military miniatures and an Americana how-to you'll be proud to display everywhere.

Here's health to you,

Meet the little Bliss House, which had a big impact on the evolution of dollhouses and became a cherished part of American childhood.

TMTM Presents: The All-American Miniature House

Miniatures at Large is a new column examining the broad appeal of miniatures. Written by TMTM Director of Marketing, Gentry Spronken.

"A what if scenario involving tanks and troops is a lot easier to play out in 54mm scale than maneuvering these objects in real life." Click here to read the rest of this article. 

Minis Magnified is a monthly in-depth look at one of the miniatures in our collection written by our very own Museum Services Manager, Emily Wolverton. This month, we will look at the history of cornhusk dolls.

"Their design is a direct imitation of cornhusk dolls created by the Iroquois, whose ancestors have created similar dolls since the onset of corn agriculture more than 1,000 years ago." Click here to read the rest of this article.  

The Mini Time Machine's How To projects are created by Associate Director and Director of Education, Lisa Hastreiter-Lamb. Each project is designed for the beginning miniature maker with easy to find materials.

Click here for a pdf of this month's project: How to Create a Miniature Americana Wall Plaque.

Life insurance offers a simple solution for some donors on a tight budget who wish they could do more.   You may consider gifting a life insurance policy or naming the museum as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy - both options that provide significant benefits worth considering.

By gifting an insurance policy, you reduce your taxable estate and your gift can also yield a current income tax deduction of the policy's fair market value. Any premiums paid after the date of the gift will be deductible as well. Naming the museum as the beneficiary of your life insurance policy does not offer the income tax advantages of gifting a policy, but it does reduce the donor's estate by the amount of the death benefit.

Many of us have policies originally purchased to cover needs that no longer exist. It is wonderful to know that they can be put to good use to support the organizations we love.

Thank you!