If you’ve ever collected anything — large or small — and are planning a trip to Colorado, here’s a stop to add to your itinerary. Wendy Littlepage ’01 is the executive director of the Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls and Toys, home to one of the country’s most imaginative collections — more than 20,000 objects, from artisan dollhouses and antique dolls to vintage toys and miniature scenes that span centuries. Under her nearly two decades of leadership, the museum has grown its audience, expanded its programming and secured a permanent home.

Major: History
Born in: Louisville, Kentucky (but I only lived there a week) 
Current residence: Denver, Colorado
Occupation: Museum director

Since Kenyon: I’ve spent my post-Kenyon life advocating for and supporting arts and culture in Denver. We’ve had public funding in Metro Denver since the 1980s, which has created space for so many amazing organizations. I encourage everyone to check out the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, and bring a model like it to their region.

Motto: Everyone is smart in some way; they just might not know it.

Proudest accomplishment: Rejuvenating the Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls and Toys. Under my leadership, it has grown from a struggling organization with dwindling attendance and bleak financials to record visitation and purchasing a forever home. I am also proud of the work I did to advocate for equitable arts funding in Metro Denver. And last, but not least, being an aunt to my two nephews and niece who all live in Colorado.

Favorite Kenyon memory: Convincing my roommate to come to Phling, and having another friend show up at Acland to walk up to Peirce. The moment they met had true movie-level magic. Mostly, I will always be grateful to my roommate for all four years, Kelly Duke ’01, for her patience, and her excellent taste in music. 

What has most surprised you about your life post-Kenyon? The readings I refer back to the most are from the “Literature of Friendship” with Professor Ronald Sharp. It sounds like one of those liberal arts classes lampooned in conservative media, but thinking about what it means to be a friend, at any level, framed how I move through my community.

Best advice anyone has given you? Know where you stand on things that matter. 

Music that changed your life? The Hot IQs. I’d been in Denver for a while, but everything changed when I met my friend Elaina, who was the drummer for this band. There’s nothing like having a friend who loves the same things you do, and is always up for an adventure.

Anything else? People frequently ask if I have ever met a haunted doll and will send me pictures. I have never met a haunted doll, and I guarantee I have seen more truly creepy dolls than you. I’ve appreciated my time in a small specialty museum and recommend supporting the ones in your community. Or come to Denver! I’ve got recommendations.