A pair of the sparkling ruby slippers from the 1939 classic "The Wizard of Oz" have finally clicked their heels back home, after being stolen nearly 20 years ago from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, the FBI and local police said. The iconic footwear swiped from its display case in 2005, was returned to its rightful owner, collector Michael Shaw, in a ceremony at the museum on March 18, the FBI reported.
The recovery marks the end of a long saga for Shaw and "Wizard of Oz" enthusiasts, who saw the slippers' absence as a blow to a treasured piece of Americana; Special Agent Alvin M. Winston Sr. and Chief Andy Morgan played key roles in the multi-agency effort, with Winston stating he felt "incredibly honored to return the ruby slippers to their rightful owner" and Morgan highlighting the "catastrophic loss to both Mr. Shaw and the countless fans", according to their statements. The joint task force included the Minneapolis Division of the FBI and the Grand Rapids Police Department, and their efforts were described as highlighting the importance of preserving important symbols of cultural heritage.
These particular slippers, known among the film's aficionados as the "traveling pair", are one of the few remaining authentic pairs used during the making of the film, which starred Judy Garland in the role of Dorothy Gale. The slippers' return coincides with a promise by the founding director of the Judy Garland Museum, John Kelsh, to feature a Ruby Slipper Crime exhibit to educate visitors on the notorious heist and subsequent recovery.
During the emotional ceremony, held at the birthplace of Garland herself, Shaw was visibly moved, likening the moment of reunion to reconnecting with a long-lost friend, according to Shaw's personal account while laying eyes on them after seeking their return for so long; he was also presented with a single red sequin found at the crime scene years ago by Special Agent Christopher Dudley, who, along with Chief Morgan, was instrumental in the investigation and recovery of the slippers. Both the museum and Shaw heaped praise on the FBI and Grand Rapids Police for bringing back not just the shoes but a piece of enchantment to those who recall Dorothy's famed journey.
While Shaw and the collective memory of fans have been bolstered by this return, details of the ongoing investigation remain a mystery, with the FBI declining to comment further on the case.
