How My Journey With Oz Began

The Wizard of Oz Museum did not begin with a business plan or a decision to create a tourist attraction. Its origins go back much further, to my childhood in the Soviet Union and my first encounter with Alexander Volkov's The Wizard of the Emerald City. At that time, I could not have imagined that a story I enjoyed as a child would eventually lead me toward rare American books, historical research, and the creation of a museum in Florida.

Years later, after moving to the United States, I rediscovered the world of Oz through my children.

That experience introduced me more deeply to L. Frank Baum's original books.

I became interested in the literary world that existed beyond the familiar film, the illustrations that accompanied the early publications, and the history of the books themselves.

My curiosity gradually developed into collecting rare Oz editions.

As I learned more about printing variations, book design, illustration, and historical publishing, I came to appreciate the importance of preserving these objects.

My wife, Palina, eventually suggested that the collection could become a museum.

That idea changed the direction of my journey.

What had begun as a personal interest became an opportunity to share Oz history with the public.

The Wizard of Oz Museum first opened in Cape Canaveral, Florida, and relocated to Cocoa Beach in 2026.

These fifty stories explain how the museum developed and why I believe its historical mission remains important.

Explore All 10 Chapters

Milestones in the Museum's History

Why I Created This History Series

A museum contains more than the objects visitors see.

It also has a history of ideas, decisions, research, and personal experiences that shaped its creation.

I wanted to record those experiences because they help explain why the Wizard of Oz Museum exists.

The rare books are important historical objects.

The original illustrations help us understand how readers first imagined Oz.

The research associated with the collection provides context for understanding editions and publishing history.

But the museum also represents a personal journey that began long before the institution opened its doors.

By sharing that journey, I hope visitors can better understand the connection between collecting, preservation, and public education.

What Makes Oz History Worth Preserving

L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was published in 1900, with illustrations by W. W. Denslow.

John R. Neill became the principal illustrator of the continuing Oz series beginning in 1904.

These books belong to the history of American children's literature and illustration.

They also provide evidence of publishing practices, book design, and the development of a long-lasting fictional world.

For me, preserving historical editions is a way of protecting that evidence.

Sharing the collection is a way of helping others understand why it matters.

A Museum That Connects History and Imagination

The Wizard of Oz Museum features rare Oz books, historical memorabilia, and immersive digital experiences.

I believe these elements offer different ways for visitors to engage with Oz.

Historical objects provide a direct connection to the original publications.

Modern immersive experiences can encourage imagination and curiosity.

The distinction between authentic artifacts and modern interpretations remains important.

My hope is that visitors can enjoy the imaginative experiences while also discovering the history behind the stories.

Why the Journey Continues

Completing fifty stories does not mean the museum's history is complete.

Research may reveal additional information.

Historical objects will continue to require responsible care.

New visitors may bring different questions and perspectives.

The museum's own development will continue to create new chapters in its history.

I do not know every direction that journey will take.

But I hope it continues to reflect the curiosity that first led me toward the original Oz books.

What began as a childhood memory became a collection, then a museum, and finally a continuing commitment to preserving and sharing the history of Oz.

My Invitation to Readers

If you are interested in how the museum began, start with Chapter 1.

If you are curious about rare Oz books and original illustrations, explore the chapters about collecting and historical research.

If you want to understand why the museum continues to develop, read the final chapters.

Each story offers another perspective on the journey.

Together, they explain why I believe the Wizard of Oz Museum is more than a collection of objects.

It is an opportunity to preserve history, share knowledge, and encourage curiosity about a literary world that has fascinated readers for generations.