There’s No Place like Oz! 125 Years of OZ!

August 14, 2025

“For nearly a century, The Wizard of Oz has given faithful service to the young in heart. Time has been powerless to put its kindly philosophy out of fashion. To those of you who have been faithful to it in return—and to the young in heart—we dedicate this story.”

L. Frank Baum penned The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in 1900, making the beloved story 125 years old this year. The iconic film adaptation starring Judy Garland premiered on August 25, 1939, marking its 86th anniversary. It would make its way to home television on November 3, 1956, becoming one of the most televised films in history—though it wasn’t available on home video until 1980.

The Oz stories, and the many spin-offs and adaptations they inspired, may never have existed without the encouragement of Baum’s mother-in-law, the suffragist Matilda Joslyn Gage. Her influence had a significant impact on Baum’s writing. Initially, Matilda didn’t approve of her daughter marrying a struggling actor, a failed newspaper man, and a lowly oil businessman. But his storytelling, shaped by his eclectic life experiences, eventually won her over. Her legacy even found its way into the stories: the name "Glinda" is said to be a combination of the word "good" and Matilda, giving life to the redemptive, fairy godmother-like Good Witch of Oz.

It wasn’t until Matilda’s passing in 1898 that Baum found the inspiration and courage to write the tale of a little girl swept away by a cyclone to the magical land of Oz.

Baum also had connections at the Chicago World’s Fair, where he encountered a new kind of showman: Thomas Alva Edison. Edison, an explorative scientist, demonstrated the power of projection and theatrics - qualities that may have influenced Baum’s own ideas of magic and illusion.

Following the success of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Baum went on to write 14 more Oz books before passing away in 1919. Sadly, he never lived to see his magical world brought to life on the silver screen.

How can you celebrate this timeless story of love, courage, brains, and home?

About 1.5–2 hours from the Kansas City area, just off I-70, sits the Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas. This small town boasts the Midwest’s most charming Oz-themed museum, featuring over 2,000 artifacts, a theater, costumed mannequins, and a delightful gift shop. While you're in town, walk down Downtown’s Yellow Brick Road, try to spot all the Toto statues, visit the Emerald City Playground, and even sip wine at the Oz Winery.

Roughly five hours from Wamego is Liberal, Kansas, home to Dorothy’s House Museum. This location offers a more realistic glimpse into the life of a 1900s farm girl and the enduring legacy of Oz. Don’t miss their annual OzFest on October 11, 2025, and Haunted Oz in 2026!

Prefer to stay closer to home? Your local library has magical resources, too.

Visit The Story Center and explore the free Storytelling Certification program to help you craft your own tales of wonder.
Need tornado-speed services? Try Library-By-Mail for qualifying patrons, Mobile Device Printing (it only takes three clicks—no ruby slippers required!), or drive-through pickup at select branches. No horse of a different color necessary.
Adventurous spirit? Dive into Role-Playing Games or apply for your passport at select branches.
Want to keep your brain sharp? Check out online learning options like Udemy Business, Homework Help, or Mango Languages.
Be courageous and try something new—attend a program or earn certifications through Universal Class.