A pair of Dorothy's iconic ruby slippers, worn by Judy Garland in \"The Wizard of Oz,\" is set to be auctioned, reigniting interest in their storied past. The slippers, which have become a symbol of Hollywood history, were stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, in 2005 during a brazen heist that left the small-town museum reeling.

John Kelsh, curator of the museum, recounted the night of the theft, describing how a thief smashed a side door and made off with the slippers, leaving behind only a single sequin. The museum, which attracts over 10,000 visitors annually, faced significant challenges in the aftermath, including a loss of trust and credibility in borrowing artifacts.

The case went cold for years, with various theories about the culprits circulating among locals. However, in 2018, the slippers were recovered during an FBI sting operation, leading to the indictment of two career criminals, Terry Martin and Jerry Salitterman, who had hidden the slippers in a plastic box in a backyard for years.

Ryan Lintleman, curator at the National Museum of American History, confirmed the authenticity of the recovered slippers by identifying a unique detail—a missing stone replaced with a painted clear stone—proving their value as one of only four known pairs.

Currently, the slippers are estimated to be worth over $3 million, with online bidding already approaching $1 million since it began on November 1st. Janie Heitz, the executive director of the Judy Garland Museum, is actively fundraising to secure the slippers for their rightful home, emphasizing the emotional connection and historical significance they hold for the community. Donations are being accepted both in person and online as the museum strives to bring the beloved artifact back to Grand Rapids, where it belongs.