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Museum launches campaign for "The Wizard of Oz" shoes

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The Smithsonian Institution asked the public to help save the shoes belonging to Dorothy character from the famous "The Wizard of Oz”, launching a Kickstarter campaign to raise $300,000. In addition to restoring the shoes' color, the money will go toward a technologically advanced display case that will preserve them for future generations.

This is the second campaign launched by the institution, as in 2015 the National Air and Space Museum has collected 700,000 dollars for conservation the space suit that had been wore on the moon Neil Armstong.


"This particular pair of ruby slippers really belongs to the American people, and so we thought as we sought support that we would invite the public to join us on this journey to help preserve them for the next generation," said Melinda Machado, a museum spokeswoman.


She added that preserving the shoes would be quite complicated. They were made from a dozen materials. Their gelatin-based sequins were a relic from the infancy of plastic; they also had glass beads, and red felt on the soles used to muffle their sound as Garland danced. “We’re going to have to do a lot of scientific research to come up with a treatment plan that is compatible with all of the different materials,” Machado said.


As of Tuesday morning, donors had pledged more than $38,000 on Kickstarter. If the museum does not reach its $300,000 goal in 30 days, no one will be charged. Donations start at $1 and, depending how much they give, contributors can receive rewards including T-shirts and tote bags created by William Ivey Long, a Tony award-winning costume designer.

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