Chittenango, New York: All Things Oz Museum

The Wizard of Oz-themed museum has information and exhibits including information about L. Frank Baum (who was born in Chittenango), and an amazing array of Wizard of Oz related items. Munchkin appearance costumes, original Broadway props, movie costumes, collectibles. Wow!

The All Things Oz Museum is in Chittenango, the birthplace of Wizard of Oz creator L. Frank Baum.

Being a fan of L. Frank Baum I was excited about attending a convention nearby that included free time. Arriving in town I was greeted by yellow brick sidewalks but sadly, no museum. Apparently it has been closed and a number artifacts have been relocated to the library. [Note: the museum no longer closed.] I was fortunate to be able to talk with a number of town folk who are some of the most gracious people that I have had the pleasure to run across. Seeing my disappointment, they directed me to the Chittenango Canal Boat Museum a little ways up the road. I parked and noted that it was closed for an Elderhostel. Before I could even turn around to go back to my car, a museum volunteer offered to open just for me and another couple who pulled in about the same time. She gave us a personal tour and then gave us the freedom to enjoy the grounds and exhibits at our leisure. Wonderful museum and beautiful people.

Not only does the small town of Chittenango, NY have the L. Frank Baum Oz Museum (Mr. Baum, author of the Oz books, was born in Chittenango), but the town also hosts the annual Oz Fest (not to be confused with the hard rock festival put on by man de jour, Ozzy Osborne). This Oz Fest is a 3-day event held in late May/early June. The height of the festival is Saturday, starting with a morning parade, costume contests for kids of all ages, and then a festival. Important to note is the involvement of 3-6 actors who were Munchkins in the 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz. Most famous, perhaps, is Rabbi Meinhart who played the Coroner that pronounced the wicked witch dead, who continues to come and support the event year after year. The parade and festival are free, but you'll want money for some food, souvenirs or amusement rides for the kids.

I recently visited this town because I was a fan of the Oz series growing up, and I read about it on your website as being the hometown of L. Frank Baum. I was surprised to find in the town the L. Frank Baum Oz Museum and I thought you should know that it exists. It is a small museum (they are expanding into the empty store next door as they have much more memorabilia in storage that they don't have the space to display currently), but if you are a fan of the book(s), then you must make the extra effort to visit it. On the day we went to the town we were disappointed to find the museum closed. When I casually mentioned this to the proprietor of a nearby store, he called up Bill, who runs the museum, who promptly jumped in the shower and opened it for my friend and I! It was a real treat to have him take us through what is clearly a labor of love for him and to hear about the parade and the town.

When you enter Chittenango you'll see a few roadside businesses and then a lot of open space, keep driving on hiway 5 until you get to the little town, you didn't pass it!