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Discover All Things Oz in Chittenango, Birthplace of L. Frank Baum
For generations, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz has transported readers and moviegoers to a magical world filled with unforgettable characters, fantastic adventures and the timeless message that there is no place like home. For Oz fans looking to experience a little of that magic in real life, there may be no better destination than Chittenango, New York — the birthplace of Oz creator L. Frank Baum.
Home to the International L. Frank Baum & All Things Oz Historical Foundation and the All Things Oz Museum, Chittenango celebrates Baum's legacy throughout the year while preparing to welcome thousands of fans for its annual Oz-Stravaganza® festival.
A Museum Filled With Oz History
The All Things Oz Museum is operated by a dedicated team of volunteers and showcases a remarkable collection of more than 16,000 pieces owned by the International L. Frank Baum & All Things Oz Historical Foundation.
While the collection is extensive, approximately 1,400 to 1,800 items are on display at any given time. Visitors can discover an impressive assortment of Oz memorabilia, including original movie and musical costumes and props, rare collectibles and autographs from some of the most recognizable names associated with the classic 1939 MGM film.
Among the collection are autographs from Judy Garland, Margaret Hamilton, Ray Bolger and Jack Haley, as well as 1939 MGM Munchkin actor appearance costumes.
The museum's collection also reaches far beyond the classic MGM production. Exhibits feature items connected to productions including The Muppets' Wizard of Oz, OzLand, After The Wizard, Oz: The Great and Powerful, The Wiz and Wicked, along with thousands of additional pieces celebrating the many interpretations of the Oz universe.
Visitors can also browse the museum gift shop for their own pieces of Oz memorabilia.
Supporting the Legacy of L. Frank Baum
The International L. Frank Baum & All Things Oz Historical Foundation is a volunteer-run nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating the life and works of Baum.
Museum admission is available through a $12 donation per person, while children 10 and under are admitted free. Matilda Society members and All Things Oz members also receive free museum admission.
The museum is also proud to be a Blue Star Museum, meaning active-duty military families can visit for free.
For those who want to become more involved, foundation memberships are available at several levels, including individual, household, institutional and contributing memberships. Members receive benefits such as free museum admission, a 10% discount in the museum gift shop and invitations to members-only events.
Oz-Stravaganza® Returns to Chittenango
The Oz celebration in Chittenango has grown dramatically since its humble beginnings.
The story began in 1978, when librarian Clara Houck set out to recognize Chittenango's connection to L. Frank Baum. She organized the community's first celebration on May 15, bringing local children together to dress as Oz characters and parade around the library parking lot. The celebration continued inside with birthday cake and a rendition of "Happy Birthday" for Baum.
What began as a small local gathering has evolved into a multi-day festival attracting thousands of visitors.
The event originally known as Oz-Fest eventually became Oz-Stravaganza®, and the celebration is now organized by the International L. Frank Baum & All Things Oz Historical Foundation.
Looking Ahead to 2027
Fans are invited to save the date for Oz-Stravaganza® 2027, June 4-6, in Chittenango, New York, as the community prepares for its 49th annual festival.
The 2027 celebration will feature the theme "Behind The Curtain: A Journey Through Oz," offering fans an opportunity to explore the books, films, stage productions and other interpretations that have helped make Oz a lasting part of popular culture.
Festival-goers can expect a weekend filled with special guests, live music, costume contests, food, rides, games, authors, artists, vendors, fireworks and, of course, the All Things Oz Museum.
Whether visitors are longtime Oz enthusiasts or discovering the magical world for the first time, the festival promises something for fans of virtually every corner of the Oz universe.
From the original books and the beloved 1939 MGM film to Wicked, The Wiz, Return to Oz, Oz: The Great and Powerful and other interpretations, the celebration embraces the many ways generations of creators have brought Oz to life.
There's No Place Like Chittenango
Today, Chittenango stands as a destination where the legacy of L. Frank Baum continues to be celebrated by an enthusiastic community of volunteers and Oz fans.
The annual festival has grown from a birthday celebration in a library parking lot into what organizers describe as the longest-running and largest Wizard of Oz-themed festival in the world.
Whether visitors come for the museum, the festival, the memorabilia, the costumes, the entertainment or simply to walk through the birthplace of the man who created one of America's most enduring fairy tales, Chittenango offers a unique opportunity to step into the world of Oz.
So mark the calendar, gather your fellow Oz enthusiasts and make plans to follow the yellow brick road to Chittenango.
After all, for fans of Oz, there's no place like home.
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