From health professionals to bus drivers to charity organizers, each of the women inducted into the group uses her time and talents to further the Baby Doll Ladies' mission.

For White and others, the legacy of the revival was in safeguarding the history of the tradition. "The first responsibility that we really felt was the need to preserve it," she said. "I couldn't think past the museum."

White helped curate the first Baby Doll exhibit at the Presbytere with a group of historians and authors. Working with Baby Doll elders and the descendants of Baby Dolls, the exhibit shares their stories and traditions with artifacts in the museum.

As their membership grows, the Baby Doll Ladies hope their mission to reach their community through the practice will grow as well. This year includes plans for health and wellness seminars to go along with their education outreach.

"It's related to what these women did in the '30s and '40s," Leathem said. "They dressed as Baby Dolls for Mardi Gras day, but they were still a cohesive group the rest of the year."