Sarah Nader, a Waukesha resident with a deep-rooted love for American Girl dolls and the PBS show 'Antiques Roadshow', recently made headlines for her appearance on the show. Her story is a testament to the enduring appeal of American Girl and the power of cherished childhood items. Nader's journey with American Girl began in the late 1980s or early 1990s when she discovered the American Girl books at her school library. She was captivated by the stories and dreamed of owning her own American Girl doll. Her desire was fulfilled when she saved up chore money to buy Kirsten, one of the original Wisconsin-based Pleasant Company dolls, from the catalog. This marked the start of a lifelong love affair with American Girl dolls and books.
Nader's collection grew to include four more dolls: Samantha, Molly, Felicity, and Addy. These dolls were carefully stored and cherished, reflecting Nader's dedication to preserving her childhood memories. Her appreciation for American Girl extended beyond the dolls; she valued the lessons they taught about being strong, smart, brave, kind, and generous. This influence was so profound that she even minored in history in college, sparked by her love for American history.
Nader's passion for 'Antiques Roadshow' is equally as strong. She has been a dedicated viewer since its inception in the mid-1990s, tuning in every Friday night. The show's ability to surprise and educate her has kept her engaged over the years. When the show's tour came to St. Louis, Nader seized the opportunity to apply for tickets via an Instagram contest. Her persistence paid off, and she won two tickets, accompanied by her father, who shared her enthusiasm for the show.
At the 'Antiques Roadshow' event, Nader brought her American Girl dolls and her husband's handmade vintage smoking jacket. Her father brought his great-grandfather's clay marbles and artwork that Nader's mother wanted appraised. The experience was relaxed and fun, with a positive atmosphere. When Nader unpacked her dolls, one of the doll appraisers, Brigid Jones, noticed the care and attention she had given to her collection. Jones estimated the value of Molly to be around $1,200 to $1,500, a surprising revelation for Nader.
The appraisal sparked intense discourse on social media, with some people disagreeing with the valuation and others making fun of Nader for not playing with her doll more. Nader found the reaction overwhelming and decided to delete her Facebook and make her Instagram private. She emphasized the human element behind the dolls, explaining that they hold sentimental value and were often earned through hard work and effort.
Despite the online criticism, Nader remains excited about her segment airing on 'Antiques Roadshow'. She plans to celebrate with her family and friends, hosting a watch party with pizza, a cookie cake, and champagne. The episode, titled 'Grant's Farm, Hour 2', will premiere on May 4, 2026, on PBS, the PBS app, and the show's YouTube channel. Nader's story highlights the enduring value of childhood items and the emotional connection people have with their favorite toys, even decades later.
