Past Program: September 17, 2026. This Tales from the Archives program has concluded. Explore upcoming programs and events.
Tales from the Archives: L Frank Baum: The Real Wizard of Oz
What inspired the magical world of Oz? Join historian Deb Wake as she explores the fascinating life of L. Frank Baum, the author who brought Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Wonderful Wizard of Oz to life.
Baum was a prolific writer who created poems, short stories, plays, early film scripts, and 14 books about the wonderful land of Oz. Discover the people, places, and experiences that shaped his imagination and learn more about the man behind one of America’s most beloved stories. Whether you’re a lifelong Oz fan or simply curious about its creator, come explore the real-life story behind the magic!
Thursday, September 17
7:00 to 8:30 pm
Holland Museum
FREE for members, $10 for non-members
This program is part of the Holland Museum “Tales from the Archives” series which explores local history topics supported by the Holland Museum’s collection and archives.

Speaker Bio: Deb Wake grew up in Michigan. She graduated from the University of Michigan-Dearborn with a BA in History and worked as the Manager of Youth, Family and Camp programs at the Henry Ford for 25 years. After retiring in 2020, she moved to Holland, MI where she worked for several years at the Holland Museum before retiring again in March 2025. Deb continues to research historic topics and is passionate about writing and sharing her love of history.


