Miniatures have been around since ancient times, but the dollhouse and fine scale miniature hobby reached a zenith in popularity in the early 1970s. Stores selling miniature furniture, accessories and kits for the everyday person popped up across the county, and enthusiasts desiring to share their work with one another established local, national and international clubs and organizations.

Tucson was no exception; by 1975, there were a few miniature stores in the city. Irene Kahn, a proprietor of one of the miniature stores called The Treasure Hunt, started taking names of patrons who were interested in forming a club. This led to a meeting of approximately thirty-seven people, who desired to share their passion for miniatures. Before long, the group dubbed themselves the Tucson Miniature Society (TMS).

TMS members wanted to share their creations and enthusiasm for miniatures outside of their circle, so they decided to have a miniature yard sale at a member’s home. Community response was encouraging and in 1977, they established a formal annual show and sale. Proceeds from the show and sale were donated to a children’s charity, the Comstock Children’s Foundation, which TMS supported through 2014. Beginning in 2016, TMS voted to support The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures with the proceeds of their annual Showcase, supporting the stewardship of the collections and exhibitions, and additional funding for museum acquisitions.

Become a member of the Tucson Miniature Society!