Judy Garland Museum for #Podcasthon 2026

Judy Garland Museum for #Podcasthon 2026

From Next in Nonprofits by Next in Nonprofits

March 17, 2026 · 44 min · Episode 143

About this episode

Janie Heitz and John Kelsch discuss the Judy Garland Museum, its history, and the infamous theft of the Ruby Slippers.

Janie Heitz is the Executive Director, and John Kelsch is founder and Curator, of the Judy Garland Museum. The Museum is home to an eclectic Judy Garland and Wizard of Oz collection and is housed in the 1920’s restored birthplace home of Judy Garland in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. #Podcasthon is an annual event asking podcasts to highlight the work of a single charity John and Janie tell the story of the founding of the museum, the evolution of the work over the decades since it's founding over fifty years ago, and much more. One of the more unusual stories of the Museum involves the theft of the Ruby Slippers from the Wizard of Oz, which were in the Museum at that time for display. The slippers were eventually recovered, and documentaries about that part of the story have been made since that time. The Museum is a part of the Grand Rapids community, but also a larger fan community across the world. Learn more at their website about how to visit the museum and learn more. Donations are welcome! Listen now by clicking the player above, download the file for later here, or subscribe to the podcast on your phone for automatic updates. Get more details on how to subscribe on our podcast…

People in this episode

Guests: Janie Heitz, John Kelsch

Topics covered

  • museum
  • non-profit
  • Judy Garland
  • community
  • theft

Keywords

  • Judy Garland Museum
  • Ruby Slippers
  • Wizard of Oz
  • Grand Rapids
  • charity

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Podcasthon, the Wizard of Oz

Places: Grand Rapids, Minnesota

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