Tales from the Archives: L Frank Baum: The Real Wizard of Oz

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.

  • September 17, 2026 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
  • 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Holland Museum

Holland Museum
31 W. 10th Street
Holland, MI 49423

The Holland Museum tells the story of Holland, Michigan, from its settlement by Dutch immigrants to today’s innovative, successful, and diverse community. Featuring thousands of fascinating historic objects, as well as artwork from the Netherlands from the 1600s through the 1900s, our permanent History and Dutch Galleries are not to be missed.

Planning a visit? Explore current exhibitions or plan your visit for the latest visitor information.

MUSEUM HOURS

Thursdays: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Fridays: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Saturdays: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sundays: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

FREE SECOND MONDAY

In addition to regular hours, join us for our “FREE Second Mondays” from 4:00 – 7:00 pm each month. Check our calendar for specific dates. Sponsored by The Meijer Foundation.

ADMISSION AND DISCOUNTS

Admission
$10.00 for adults
$8.00 for senior adult
$5.00 for students with a valid college ID and kids 6-18
FREE: Holland Museum members and children ages 5 and under are free.
$1.00 Museums for All admission (EBT or WIC card holder, $1.00/person, up to 4 people per card).

Discounts
The Holland Museum offers an admission discount to Veterans, active military, and educators. If you are active military, the discount applies each person in your party. If you are a veteran or educator, the discount applies to that person only. Admission for veterans, active military, and educators is $5.

UPCOMING HOLIDAY CLOSURES (2026–2027)

  • Thanksgiving Day, November 26
  • Black Friday, November 27
  • Christmas Eve, December 24
  • Christmas Day, December 25
  • New Year’s Eve, December 31
  • New Year’s Day, January 1, 2027

ACCESSIBILITY

The Museum’s accessible entrance can be found on the east side of the building next to the circle drive. To access the building, please press the button to the right of the door and the front desk will buzz visitors in. Take the elevator from the ground floor (G) to the first level (1L) and you will arrive behind the reception desk. There is also a wheelchair available for patron use. Each level of the museum is handicapped accessible, as are the restrooms. If you have any specific needs, please call the front desk at (616) 796-3329.

PARKING

The Holland Museum is located at the corner of 10th Street and River Avenue, across from Centennial Park. Please use the parking lot behind the museum on 9th Street or street parking is available along 10th Street. Handicap accessibility is available from the east side of the building.

BLUE STAR MUSEUM

We are a Blue Star Museum and offer free admission to active military and their families from Armed Forces Day through Labor Day weekend.

MUSEUM BUILDING RENTALS

For information about Museum building rentals, please contact David Hawley-Lowry at dhawley@hollandmuseum.org

Learn more
Holland Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN 38-1692502.Reports & filings