Anyone from Kansas has surely encountered plenty of Wizard of Oz jokes and quips. “Where’s Dorothy? You’re not in Kansas anymore! I’m melting!” But what you may not know is the fascinating story behind L. Frank Baum’s classic “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.”

Hoisington Public Library, 169 S. Walnut, Hoisington, will host “The Wizard Behind Oz,” a presentation and discussion by Chris Glasgow, curator at the Oz Museum and Columbian Theatre Foundation, Wamego at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 6. Members of the community are invited to attend the free program. The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas.

Explore the unique appeal of this first truly American fairy tale, and its legacy on our culture from speech, to music, to media. This presentation pulls back the curtain on Baum’s crowning achievement. 

“The Wizard Behind Oz” is part of Humanities Kansas’s Speakers Bureau, featuring humanities-based presentations designed to share stories that inspire, spark conversations that inform, and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement.

“We are very fortunate to host this presentation in Hoisington,” Hoisington Public Library Director Karen La Pierre said. “It is rare to have speakers of this caliber in Hoisington, and we greatly appreciate the funding from Humanities Kansas that allows them to come here.

Call the library at 620-653-4128 or visit their Facebook page for more information.

About Humanities Kansas 

Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.