Kickstarter Campaign Launched to Save Dorothy's Ruby Slippers

It's been nearly 80 years since Judy Garland clicked her heels three times to make her way back to Kansas. Now, her famous sparkly pumps are in dire need of repair.

A Kickstarter campaign launched by the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History on Monday is seeking donations to raise a whopping $300,000 to restore what are arguably the most famous pair of shoes in all of filmdom.

"Made in 1939 for the MGM musical version of 'The Wizard of Oz,' the Ruby Slippers were created only to last through the end of filming. Now, nearly eighty years later, the pair worn by Judy Garland as she danced up the yellow brick road are showing their age. They need immediate conservation care and a new, state-of-the-art display case, in order to slow their deterioration and protect them from environmental harm," read the appeal on Kickstarter.

"To preserve the Ruby Slippers and keep them on exhibit, we have to display the slippers under optimal conditions. Right now, we don't know what those conditions are! We do know that we will need calibrated light exposure, as well as controlled humidity and temperature. Our conservators will work with scientists to study the slippers' materials to determine the right conditions. The slippers will then undergo a conservation treatment to clean and stabilize them," the appeal continued.

The pair of slippers on display at the Smithsonian were an anonymous gift to the museum. They have been on display since 1979 and have been viewed by millions of fans.

The museum is getting some help from Tony Award-winning costume designer William Ivey Long, who has created a poster, decal, tote bag and T-shirt as incentives for donors at various levels.

As of this writing, with 30 days to go, the campaign has raised over $5,000 from 115 donors.

To donate to help save the slippers, click here.