Few motion-picture show props are as iconic as the ruby slipper fromThe Wizard of Oz(1939 ) , but even cinematic treasures are n’t immune to the ravages of fourth dimension . consort to the Associated Press , the Smithsonian Institution — which have one of the only surviving pair of the shoes — has set in motion a Kickstarter campaignto conserve Judy Garland ’s fancy footgear for a new era of museumgoers .
The MGM Studios prop section made Garlandmultiple pairsof the red-faced sequined slippers , and in 1979 an anonymous donor fall in one to the National Museum of American History . Today , the shoe are 80 old age erstwhile , and badly in need of a little TLC . Their chromaticity is muted , the sequin are flaking , thefelt solesare battered , and they ’re also get down to frazzle . The Smithsonian wants to set up $ 300,000 for conservation efforts , and to construct a high - tech museum display case that simulate the optimum light , humidity , and temperature conditions to keep the ruby slipper promising and shining .
The Smithsonian Institutionis federally funded , but government money only covers about 70 cents of every clam it require to maintain its vast electronic internet of museum and research shopping mall . The introduction relies on secret and collective contributions for the eternal rest , and they recently turned to crowdfunding . In 2015 , the institutionlaunched its first Kickstarter — a $ 700,000 military campaign to keep , digitalize , and display the spacesuit Neil Armstrong fag during his historic moonwalk . Now , they ’re hop that a standardised endeavor will save the carpet slipper .
" This finical pair of crimson skidder really belongs to the American people , and so we think as we sought support that we would invite the world to conjoin us on this journey to help preserve them for the next generation , " said museum spokeswoman Melinda Machado in a instruction quoted by the AP .
As of Wednesday , October 19 , the Smithsonian ’s Kickstarter had raised more than $ 140,000 — meaning it will in all likelihood contact its $ 300,000 goal ( and then some ) by the fundraiser ’s end on Wednesday , November 16 . Contributors who pledge $ 10 or more will receive aThe Wizard of Oz - themed gift , ranging from posters , to tug old bag , to a lunch and chemical group tour with a Smithsonian conservator .
you’re able to learn more in the Kickstarter drive picture below .
[ h / tAssociated Press ]
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