The Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids has made a historic land purchase

As Judy Garland once said in The Wizard of Oz, “There’s no place like home. Now 100 years after the star’s birth, her childhood home in Grand Rapids, site of the Judy Garland Children’s Discovery Museum, will be a little bigger.

“It was 0.6 acres right next to Judy Garland’s childhood home,” said Jenny Heitz, executive director of the Judy Garland Children’s Discovery Museum. We previously had the right of first refusal on the property, so once an offer was made, we had to match that offer within exactly 15 days.

And luckily, a discount was made.

“We had to jump into gear and try to raise the money to not lose the land,” Heitz said.

With the help of community donations, the museum was able to raise over $125,000 and now that the land has been purchased, the big question is what comes next?

“Maybe we’re going to do a community survey to get input, but we have the idea of ​​doing a Wizard of Oz miniature golf course,” Heitz explained.

Preserving Judy Garland’s legacy while providing a fun atmosphere is at the heart of the museum.

“Judy Garland has been gone for so many years, and her life and legacy still resonates with so many people and it’s amazing,” Heitz said.

We hope that the Judy Garland Children’s Discovery Museum on the new land will inspire enthusiasm and preserve the star’s legacy for many years to come.

“I’m very excited for the future of this place. I think getting that land is a jump start for the next generation of this museum.” Heitz explained. “So we’ll see where it takes us, I hope it’s okay!”