Public Saves Dorothy's Ruby Slippers

WASHINGTON, DC — With 23 days left to go in the Kickstarter campaign, the Smithsonian Institution has successfully raised the $300,000 it needs to properly restore and protect the famous ruby slippers that Dorothy wore in the classic film "The Wizard of Oz."

More than 5,000 donors chipped in to raise the money, which will go toward materials and construction of an environmentally controlled case to prevent further deterioration of the nearly 80-year-old slippers. After 30 years on display at the National Museum of American History in D.C., the slippers had started darkening and cracking under the harsh light it is displayed under, shortening the lifespan of the shoes.

"Now you can join us on this special journey to conserve and display this American icon," said costume designer William Ivey Long in a video posted on the Kickstarter page.

Dawn Wallace, a conservator at the National Museum of American History, said in the video that the museum is "looking at the materials and the construction, finding a way to better preserve and conserve them for the future."

It took only about a week for the Smithsonian to raise the huge sum. Last Monday, they had only raised $12,783 from 338 backers.

RT if you're happy we can #KeepThemRuby and display Dorothy's shoes from the #WizardOfOz for years to come. THANK YOU from the team here! pic.twitter.com/NoQC1Tzz5m
— amhistorymuseum (@amhistorymuseum) October 24, 2016

Image via Smithsonian