Most extensive Judy Garland collection in the world opens in new museum.

Grand Rapids, Minn. -- Follow the yellow brick road to Grand Rapids, Minnesota and the new home of the world's most extensive collection of Judy! The Judy Garland Museum® (JGM) showcases memorabilia from her 45 year career and officially opened during the 28th annual Judy Garland Festival June 26-28, 2003.

The Judy Garland Museum® dedication kicked off the Festival on Thursday, June 26th. Academy Award winner Margaret O'Brien, a friend and co-star of Judy's, shared her personal stories of knowing and working with the actress. Most of the festival's special guests were on hand for the dedication activities including original Munchkins from the Wizard of Oz (Lollipop Kid: Jerry Maren, Sleepyhead: Margaret Pellegrini, Trumpeter: Karl Slover, and Soldier: Clarence Swensen); and Judy's son, Joe Luft. (Emmy Award winner and starof Singin' in the Rain, Donald O'Connor was only able to attend on Friday night.) Other special events included brunch and lunch with the Munchkins, a book signing, film screenings and a collector's exchange.

Although the new museum cares for thousands of items from throughout Judy's career, some of the most notable in the JGM collection are listed below.

• Judy Garland's Birthplace -- The museum is adjacent to the restored home where Judy spent her formative years. Guests can flashback to the 1920s and tour the furnished period house.
• The Wizard of Oz Carriage -- The carriage brought Dorothy and her companions on the final leg of their journey to see the Wizard. Hand written on the framework of the carriage is "A. Lincoln, June 8, 1863," a clue that President Lincoln was also a passenger in this carriage's history.
• Judy Garland's Test Dress from the Wizard of Oz
• A Winkie Sword from the Wizard of Oz
• An Emerald City Bell-Bottom Coat
• "Over the Rainbow" Gold Record presented to Judy Garland -- "Over the Rainbow" was recently named the top song of the 20th century. Judy Garland's Special Tony Award
• Microphone from Judy Garland's TV Show

Founded in 1975 by local artist Jackie Dingmann, the Judy Garland Museum® is one of the oldest museums dedicated to a celebrity in the nation. The new museum offers guests an opportunity to visit, in one location, both Judy's childhood home and a vast collection of memorabilia from her career. Since the Judy Garland House opened in 1995, there have been well over 100,000 visitors. The Judy Garland Museum's mission is to engage people in exploring the life and times of Judy Garland. Through educational exhibits, publications, and special events, the Museum encourages people to learn about this great 20th Century artist. The Judy Garland Museum® has the full support of her three children: Liza Minnelli, Joe Luft, and Lorna Luft.