A Bavarian Nun, Berta Hummel, went into collaboration with Goebel to transform her paintings into ceramic.

Goebel Hummel figurines debuted at the 1935 Trade fair in Leipzig, Germany and the success was immediate.

This rapid ascent, however, was cut short in subsequent years with the rise of the Nazi control of Europe. Nazi Forces soon limited and ultimately ceased Hummel production. They also closed the convent that Hummel called home, in 1940.

Berta Hummel died in 1946 from tuberculosis at the age of 37 at the end of World war II. The legacy would live on! Goebel started production in 1946 and the delightful collectables were back in demand. 

They became popular among American troops stationed in Europe. Whose export of Hummels back to the United States as souvenirs for family members fueled Americans interest.