For decades, the ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz have stood as one of Hollywood’s most treasured artifacts. Judy Garland wore them as Dorothy in the 1939 film, turning the slippers into a symbol of classic cinema and American culture.
After someone took the slippers from the Judy Garland Museum in 2005, a years-long investigation began. Law enforcement, private collectors, and undercover agents all tried to find them.
The theft involved more than just a pair of shoes. It threatened a piece of film history.
Fans, historians, and Garland’s hometown of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, wanted answers. After more than a decade, the FBI announced they had found the stolen slippers, ending one of the most unusual artifact hunts in recent memory.
This story shows how the slippers became famous, the details of the theft, the people involved, and the sting operation that brought them back. It also explores where they are now and why their journey continues to fascinate movie lovers and true-crime fans.
The Iconic Ruby Slippers
Judy Garland wore the ruby slippers in the 1939 musical The Wizard of Oz. These slippers are among the most recognized pieces of film history.
They represent Hollywood craftsmanship, storytelling magic, and cultural preservation. Decades after the film’s release, people still talk about them.
Significance in The Wizard of Oz
In The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy’s ruby slippers are more than just shoes. They help her return home to Kansas by clicking her heels three times.
The shoes also symbolize hope. Their bright red color stood out on screen, thanks to Technicolor.
Fans connect the slippers to Judy Garland’s heartfelt performance. Over time, they became an enduring emblem of classic cinema.
Creation and Design by MGM
MGM’s costume department, led by designer Gilbert Adrian, made the slippers. They started with plain shoes from the Innes Shoe Company and covered them in red sequins to shimmer under studio lights.
The bows on the front feature red glass beads, rhinestones, and bugle beads. Painters colored the soles red to prevent reflections from the set lighting.
In L. Frank Baum’s original book, the shoes were silver. MGM changed them to red to showcase Technicolor’s vibrant palette.
This design choice helped make the slippers one of the film’s most memorable visuals.
Pairs That Exist Today
MGM made multiple pairs of ruby slippers for filming. The exact number is debated, but most experts agree at least four pairs survive.
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History holds one pair. Thieves stole another pair from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, in 2005. The FBI later recovered these shoes in a sting operation.
Other pairs belong to private collectors or institutions. Each pair is slightly different due to wear and repairs during production.
Collectors and museums consider the slippers priceless artifacts from Hollywood’s golden age.
Judy Garland and Her Legacy
Judy Garland became one of the most recognizable performers of the 20th century. Her work in The Wizard of Oz remains a cultural touchstone.
Her life story draws interest for its mix of talent, resilience, and lasting influence.
Portrayal of Dorothy
Garland’s role as Dorothy Gale in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz defined her career. At 16, she brought warmth and sincerity to the character.
Her performance included the now-famous song Over the Rainbow, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. The scene became one of the most memorable in film history.
The ruby slippers she wore in the movie became a lasting symbol of Hollywood’s Golden Age. One pair, later stolen and recovered, drew worldwide attention when displayed at the Judy Garland Museum.
Garland’s portrayal balanced innocence with determination. This role secured her place in cinema history.
Early Life as Frances Gumm
Judy Garland was born Frances Ethel Gumm in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, in 1922. She grew up in a family of performers.
Her parents ran a theater where she and her sisters sang and danced in vaudeville acts. By age 13, she signed with MGM, where the studio changed her name to Judy Garland.
Her early career included musical shorts and minor roles. MGM often paired her with Mickey Rooney in popular teen musicals.
Life at MGM was demanding. Long work hours and strict image control shaped her career and personal struggles.
Cultural Impact
Garland’s influence went beyond film. She recorded hit songs, performed in sold-out concerts, and appeared on television specials.
Her voice and emotional delivery made her a favorite among audiences worldwide. Her career spanned more than four decades.
She influenced later performers like Barbra Streisand and her daughter Liza Minnelli. Memorabilia from her films, especially The Wizard of Oz, remain highly valued.
The stolen ruby slippers case showed how deeply her legacy is tied to pop culture. Today, Garland is remembered as a gifted entertainer and a figure whose life reflects both the challenges and triumphs of classic Hollywood.
The 2005 Theft at the Judy Garland Museum
In August 2005, someone stole a pair of ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz from a display in her hometown museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. The theft targeted one of the most valuable pieces of movie memorabilia in the country.
Details of the Crime
The slippers were on loan to the Judy Garland Museum, which sits along a local stretch known as the Yellow Brick Road.
Just after midnight, a thief broke through the museum’s back door by smashing the glass. The thief then shattered the display case holding the slippers.
The museum had minimal security. There were no working surveillance cameras inside the exhibit room, and the alarm system failed to stop the intruder.
Investigators later said the crime took less than a minute. The thief left behind no fingerprints or clear physical evidence.
The stolen slippers were one of only four known surviving pairs used during filming. Their insured value at the time was about $1 million, but experts believed their true worth was much higher.
Immediate Aftermath
Museum staff found the break-in when they opened the building the next morning. The empty case shocked employees and volunteers.
Local police quickly secured the scene and called the FBI due to the high value of the stolen item. The investigation began in Grand Rapids and soon expanded to larger cities, including Minneapolis.
Authorities offered a $250,000 reward for information. Tips came in from across the country, but none led to the slippers’ recovery.
News outlets covered the case as a rare example of high-value Hollywood memorabilia theft. For years, the slippers’ whereabouts remained unknown.
Community Reaction
Residents of Grand Rapids felt a deep loss. The slippers connected the small town to Judy Garland’s Hollywood legacy.
Local businesses displayed “Bring Back the Slippers” signs. Some organized small fundraisers to help the museum improve its security.
Visitors still came to the Judy Garland Museum, but many asked about the theft before touring exhibits. The crime sparked debate about how to protect rare items in small-town museums.
The case became part of the museum’s storytelling. Guided tours now explain the 2005 theft in detail.
Some locals believed the slippers would never return. Others hoped they would come back to their rightful place.
Key Figures in the Case
A small but notable group became involved in the theft of Judy Garland’s ruby slippers. Each played a distinct role, from owning the shoes to stealing them and helping move them after the crime.
Michael Shaw: The Collector
Michael Shaw collected Oz memorabilia and other rare Hollywood items. He owned the stolen ruby slippers, which were one of several pairs used in the 1939 film.
In 2005, Shaw loaned the slippers to the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, for a special exhibit. He wanted to share the shoes with fans.
Shaw spent decades building his collection, often lending pieces to museums and events. The slippers were insured, but their sentimental and cultural value was far greater.
After the theft, Shaw worked with investigators. He spoke out about the importance of recovering the shoes for film history and Judy Garland’s legacy.
Terry Jon Martin: The Thief
Terry Jon Martin stole the slippers. According to court records, he broke into the museum on August 28, 2005, in the middle of the night.
Martin had a criminal past but had not committed theft for many years before this crime. He targeted the slippers after hearing about their high market value in the Hollywood memorabilia trade.
The FBI reported that Martin tried to sell the shoes but struggled because such a famous item is nearly impossible to move without attention. In 2023, he admitted to the theft and, due to poor health, received no prison time.
Jerry Hal Saliterman: The Accomplice
Jerry Hal Saliterman helped Martin after the theft. Prosecutors say he acted as a go-between, contacting potential buyers and trying to arrange a sale.
Saliterman became involved with the criminal side of the Oz memorabilia market, where stolen film props sometimes circulate. He did not participate in the break-in itself but tried to profit from the stolen item.
Court filings show Saliterman knew the slippers’ significance and value. His actions helped authorities build their case against those involved.
The FBI Investigation and Sting Operation
Investigators faced few clues after the theft of Judy Garland’s ruby slippers from the Judy Garland Museum in Minnesota. Years passed before they made progress.
Careful police work and a covert operation in Minneapolis eventually led agents to recover the slippers.
Initial Leads and Challenges
Someone stole the slippers during the night of August 27–28, 2005. The break-in happened quickly and left little physical evidence.
Local police and the FBI chased tips, but most were false or lacked detail. The case remained unsolved for over a decade.
The stolen pair was one of several made for the 1939 film. Another pair sits at the National Museum of American History.
Authenticating the slippers became important if they ever turned up.
Investigators faced challenges because the theft was high-profile. Intense public interest sometimes slowed progress by producing misleading leads.
Undercover Efforts
In 2017, the FBI learned that someone was offering the slippers for sale. Agents began a sting operation in Minneapolis to check the claim.
Undercover agents pretended to be buyers. They set up meetings with people linked to the stolen shoes.
Agents planned the operation carefully to avoid alerting suspects. They recorded conversations, checked the shoes’ appearance, and compared details to the original pair.
A table of key steps in the sting:
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Identify seller contacts | Locate suspects |
| 2 | Arrange meeting | Confirm possession |
| 3 | Photograph slippers | Compare to film props |
| 4 | Secure evidence | Support legal case |
Recovery of the Slippers
The sting proved the shoes were genuine. The FBI quickly seized them and arranged secure transport.
Experts from the Smithsonian conservation team examined the slippers. Their analysis matched the pair worn by Judy Garland in the film.
The FBI announced the recovery in 2018, nearly 13 years after the theft. The slippers were later returned to their owner, Michael Shaw.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Terry Jon Martin, a 76-year-old man in poor health, admitted he stole a pair of ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz. The theft happened in 2005 at the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.
Investigators linked Martin to the crime. Prosecutors said he acted with help from others, including Jerry Hal Saliterman, who faced separate charges.
Charges Against the Suspects
Federal prosecutors charged Martin with theft of a major artwork, a crime with steep penalties under U.S. law. The slippers, valued at millions, were protected under cultural property statutes.
Martin pleaded guilty in 2023 and admitted he broke into the museum and took the shoes. His attorney said he had stayed out of crime for years but returned to it in what they called a criminal relapse.
Prosecutors charged Jerry Hal Saliterman with helping hide or transport the slippers after the theft. They alleged he acted as a middleman during attempts to sell them.
Both men faced charges in federal court in Minnesota. The government stressed the cultural and historical importance of the stolen item.
Courtroom Events
Martin entered his guilty plea during a short federal hearing in Duluth, Minnesota. He appeared in a wheelchair because of his declining health.
Prosecutors described how Martin stole the slippers and how agents recovered them in 2018 after an FBI sting. Evidence included witness statements and property records.
Saliterman’s case involved separate hearings. He agreed to a plea deal that acknowledged his role in the conspiracy but did not admit to the theft itself.
Court records showed that both men had prior criminal records. The judge allowed Martin to stay free until sentencing because of his medical condition.
Sentencing Outcomes
Martin received a sentence of time served and had to pay $23,500 in restitution for damage to the slippers, as reported by PBS NewsHour. His terminal illness influenced the decision to avoid prison.
Saliterman received probation and community service under his plea deal. The court noted that he cooperated with investigators.
The slippers were returned to the Judy Garland Museum.
The Slippers’ Journey After Recovery
The ruby slippers spent years in FBI custody before returning to their rightful owner. Since recovery, they have appeared at private reunions, public displays, and preparations for a high-profile auction.
Return to Michael Shaw
In 2023, federal investigators gave the slippers back to Michael Shaw, the collector who had loaned them to the Judy Garland Museum in 2005.
The theft had left Shaw without one of his most prized possessions for nearly two decades. He acquired the slippers in the late 1970s and often loaned them for exhibitions.
When the FBI returned them, Shaw confirmed they were in excellent condition. The shoes showed minimal wear, thanks to their careful storage during the investigation.
Public Exhibitions
After their return, the slippers appeared at special events. The Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, hosted a viewing that drew fans from around the country.
Security was tight, with reinforced glass cases and constant monitoring. Museum staff highlighted the cultural and historical value of the shoes.
These exhibitions let visitors see the craftsmanship up close, from the sequined surface to the delicate bows. For many, it was a rare chance to connect with a piece of Hollywood history.
Heritage Auctions Sale
In 2025, Shaw worked with Heritage Auctions to sell the slippers. Collectors and institutions had requested to buy them for years.
Heritage Auctions promoted the event as a major moment in film memorabilia sales. The slippers drew international attention because of their rarity and link to The Wizard of Oz.
The auction listing included detailed photos, provenance documents, and a history of the shoes’ theft and recovery. Potential buyers included private collectors and museums seeking a permanent display.
You can read more about the recovery of the stolen ruby slippers and their journey back into the public eye.
Where Are the Ruby Slippers Now?
Today, the surviving pairs of Judy Garland’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz are in museums and private hands. Each pair has its own story and display setting. Some are part of permanent exhibitions. Others remain in private collections.
Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., displays one of the most visited pairs. These slippers are part of the museum’s American culture collection, which preserves famous film and television artifacts.
Staff keep them in a climate-controlled case to protect the sequins and fabric. Visitors can see them alongside other Wizard of Oz memorabilia.
This pair is often used in educational programs about American cinema and costume design. The Smithsonian received them in 1979 from an anonymous donor. Thousands of people visit them each year.
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences owns another pair. This pair is part of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.
The slippers appear in rotating exhibitions on Hollywood history. They are often shown with other famous costumes, such as Marilyn Monroe’s dresses and Humphrey Bogart’s trench coat.
The Academy uses the slippers to highlight costume design and the work of MGM’s wardrobe department. The display explains how the shoes were made, including the use of red sequins over felt.
Private Collections
Several pairs are privately owned, including the pair stolen from the Judy Garland Museum and recovered years later. That pair sold at auction for $28 million in 2024, making it one of the most valuable pieces of movie memorabilia ever sold.
Private owners rarely show these shoes to the public. Some lend them to museums for special exhibits, while others keep them in secure storage.
Collectors value them for their rarity. Only a few authentic pairs are known to exist. High prices reflect their cultural importance and condition, which varies depending on preservation.
The Lasting Impact on Pop Culture
The theft and recovery of Judy Garland’s ruby slippers showed the high value of iconic film props. It reminded fans and collectors that some items hold deep cultural and emotional meaning, even decades later.
Influence on Movie Memorabilia
The ruby slippers are among the most recognizable pieces of Hollywood memorabilia. Their fame has changed how collectors value other rare props.
Auction houses often mention the slippers when talking about record-breaking sales of movie memorabilia. Interest in other Wizard of Oz items, like costumes or set pieces, increased after events involving the slippers.
Museums and collectors now focus more on security. The 2005 theft from the Judy Garland Museum, where thieves broke a display case, became a warning for anyone displaying high-profile Oz memorabilia.
The case also encouraged more public exhibitions of rare props. Owners realized these items attract fans. The slippers’ story still inspires themed displays and traveling exhibits.
The Ruby Slippers’ Symbolism
In L. Frank Baum’s original book, Dorothy’s shoes were silver. The 1939 film changed them to red for Technicolor. This choice made them a lasting symbol in The Wizard of Oz.
The slippers represent Dorothy’s journey and the idea of “there’s no place like home.” Their bright color and sparkle connect them to hope, belonging, and personal strength.
Beyond the movie, the slippers stand for classic cinema magic. People often mention them when discussing the golden age of Hollywood and the art of costume design.
The slippers also appear in fashion, advertising, and art. Their image communicates nostalgia and the lasting appeal of Hollywood memorabilia.
Continued Fascination
Fans remain interested in the slippers’ story, from the theft and recovery to their display today. The 20-year gap between disappearance and return created a mystery that kept people curious.
The Smithsonian’s display draws thousands of visitors each year. People travel to see them, much like other iconic movie memorabilia such as Indiana Jones’s hat or the Maltese Falcon.
Media stories about the slippers blend their film importance with their real-world adventures. This mix keeps them relevant to both collectors and fans.
Even in 2025, articles, documentaries, and events continue to feature the slippers, showing that Wizard of Oz memorabilia still excites people of all ages.
The Judy Garland Museum’s Role Today
The Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids continues to honor the legacy of the Wizard of Oz star. It draws visitors to her hometown and blends historic memorabilia with interactive experiences that connect fans to Garland’s life and career.
Exhibits and Events
The museum displays original costumes, personal items, and photographs from Judy Garland’s life. Visitors can walk along a small yellow brick road that leads to themed displays.
The exhibit about the stolen ruby slippers is one of the most popular features. It shows a re-created display case, photos from the investigation, and a single red sequin left behind during the 2005 theft.
Special events often celebrate Garland’s birthday or the anniversary of The Wizard of Oz release. These events include film screenings, guided tours, and temporary exhibits with rare memorabilia.
The museum teams up with local theaters for live performances inspired by Garland’s work.
Community Engagement
The museum takes an active role in the Grand Rapids community. It works with schools to offer educational programs about Garland’s career and classic cinema history.
Local volunteers help run events, maintain exhibits, and welcome visitors. Their support keeps the museum vibrant and connected to residents.
The museum brings in tourists who visit nearby shops, restaurants, and hotels. Annual festivals attract fans from across the country and turn the small Minnesota town into a cultural destination for a weekend.
Ongoing Efforts to Secure the Slippers
The FBI recovered the ruby slippers stolen in 2005 in 2018. They returned the slippers to private owner Michael Shaw.
The museum now works to bring the slippers back permanently. It has launched a fundraising campaign to bid for the slippers at an upcoming auction.
The goal is to raise $3.5 million. Donations, grants, and community events support this effort.
In 2024, the museum received a state grant of $100,000 to help with the purchase. Staff and supporters want the slippers in Garland’s hometown, where visitors can see them with other artifacts from her life and career.
