Help Save The ‘Wizard of Oz’ Ruby Slippers

Help Save the Ruby Slippers

The cultural impact of “The Wizard of Oz” is undeniable.  This of course, is why the film’s iconic ruby slippers currently  sit in the Smithsonian.  Sadly, even great pieces of film history are not immune to wear and tear and preserving them can be quite expensive.  The good news is the Smithsonian has launched a Kickstarter campaign in order to raise the money necessary to restore and conserve the now 77-year old movie prop.

The Smithsonian explains their predicament on the Kickstarter page:

“Made in 1939 for the MGM musical version of The Wizard of Oz, the Ruby Slippers were created only to last through the end of filming. Now, nearly eighty years later, the pair worn by Judy Garland as she danced up the yellow brick road are showing their age. They need immediate conservation care and a new, state-of-the-art display case, in order to slow their deterioration and protect them from environmental harm.”

As of today, the campaign has so far raised slightly less than half of the Smithsonian’s $300,000 goal.  Campaign backers can receive great benefits such as printed posters, a Smithsonian membership and even your own pair of replica ruby slippers.  Even better, these contributions will be tax deductible.

Will you contribute to this project?  Tell us your thoughts in the comments.

This was first reported by The Washington Post