John Kelsch, director of the Judy Garland Museum, will tell Judy Garland’s story as part of this year’s 37th annual Judy Garland Festival, June 14-16, in Grand Rapids.
“Judy was born Frances Ethel Gumm and would have been 90 this year,” said Kelsch of the legendary television and film star. “For this year’s festival, we will tell local Garland history with landmark tours around town and lots of details on the museum here and the restoration of the house Judy was raised in. We saved and moved her family home years ago and placed it on the museum property so our visitors could learn more about Judy’s early years.”
Kelsch’s talks on museum history are set for 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. June 15, and 3 p.m. on June 16.
Jim Sazevich, house detective from St. Paul, will tell the story of the restoration of the Garland family home in 1995-96. He prepared a 150-page report tracing the history of the house from 1892 to the present day. He found hundreds of photos, former owners, and even a former babysitter and housekeeper for the Gumm family.
Sazevich will speak at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. June 16.
Landmark tours around town by Paul Herrick and Joe Malinovsky will showcase the site of the hospital where Garland was born, the location of her dad’s New Grand Theater, and the church where her dad was the choir director. Those guided tours are June 15 and 16 at 11 a.m.
The long tradition of a free showing of “The Wizard of Oz” at the Mann Cinema 8 occurs at 10 a.m. June 16. The Tin Man, Lion and Scarecrow will appear in Judy’s memorial garden near her family home at 1 p.m. Later that evening, a fan appreciation dinner is planned at the Sawmill Inn.
Visit www.judygarlandmuseum. com for more details.
