American Girl brings back these original dolls in nostalgic relaunch

American Girl fans, get ready to take a trip down memory lane.

The beloved brand is relaunching eight of its original Historical Characters dolls in honor of its 40th anniversary this year.

The American Girl Historical Characters collection will be available for purchase online starting April 7, the company said in a news release.

Each of the relaunched dolls was designed to be "as close as possible" to the originals, including their signature outfits, accessories, and packaging, American Girl said.

"More than a product launch, it’s a nostalgic reunion, inviting longtime fans to reconnect with the stories and dolls that shaped their childhood," American Girl said in a release.

It comes as the company marks four decades in business this year.

In 1986, American Girl's founder, Pleasant Rowland, created a line of 18-inch dolls, each inspired by various eras of American history. The brand, which was acquired by Mattel in 1998, has been treasured by girls for generations.

Here's what to know about American Girl's new Historical Characters collection.

See the American Girl dolls coming back for the anniversary collection

Each doll in the 40th anniversary Historical Characters collection comes bundled with her signature meet outfit, accessories, and a book, plus packaging inspired by the original 1986 design, American Girl said. See the full collection:

• Addy Walker: First launched in 1993, the new Addy doll is almost exactly like the original – with gold hoop earrings, brown eyes, and her hair in a braid tied with a blue ribbon. It comes with a "Meet Addy" paperback book with the original cover design. 
• Felicity Merriman: Returning for the first time since 2021, this doll features green eyes and wavy red hair styled in a ponytail with pin curls. It comes with a "Felicity’s Keepsake Guide" book featuring early product and dress designs, illustration sketches, and more information. 
• Josefina Montoya: The relaunched Josefina doll resembles the original from 1997. She has gold hoop earrings, brown eyes, and hair in a long braid. She also comes with a "Meet Josefina" paperback book.
• Kirsten Larson: With light blue eyes and blonde hair styled in two looped-up braids, the new Kirsten doll is like the one first launched in 1986. It also comes with a "Meet Kirsten" paperback book.
• Kaya: A match of the original Kaya doll from 2002, the relaunched version comes with brown eyes, long black hair worn in two braids, and a "Meet Kaya" book.
• Kit Kittredge: First launched in 2000, the new Kit doll matches the original with blue eyes that open and close, freckles, and a blonde bob with a green diamond-shaped barrette. She comes with a "Meet Kit" paperback book as well.
• Molly McIntire: Like the original from 1986, this Molly doll features gray eyes, brown hair with bangs, and two pigtail braids tied with red bows. It also comes with a "Meet Molly" paperback book.
• Samantha Parkington: Originally launched in 1986, the new Samantha doll similarly has brown eyes and dark brown wavy hair with bangs styled half up with a bow. She comes with a "Samantha’s Keepsake Guide" book showcasing Pleasant Company's original 1986 products, scenes from Samantha’s favorite places, and more.

How to get American Girl's Historical Characters collection

The new Historical Characters collection is available for purchase on American Girl's website as of April 7. They will roll out to retailers around the country this spring, American Girl said.

Each doll retails for $175.

New American Girl line is separate from the Modern Era collection

The latest American Girl anniversary collection comes months after the Mattel-owned company announced it would be launching a modernized line of its historical characters as part of the brand's 40th birthday.

Some fans criticized the Modern Era collection, which was announced in February, over the dolls' revamped looks.

"Classic characters don't need to be in their modern era. They're Classic for a reason. Save modern for literally any other set of dolls you want," one person wrote on American Girl's Instagram.

Another said, "it makes no sense to modernize a doll that represents a historical figure."

Though the Historical Characters and Modern Era collections feature many of the same characters, American Girl confirmed that both lines are being launched separately.

The Modern Era dolls are available for pre-order on American Girl's website and expected to ship on Friday, May 1.

This story has been updated with new information.

Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at [email protected].