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Smithsonian Institution hits crowdfunding goal to preserve ruby slippers from "The Wizard of Oz"

Posted at 8:02 AM, Oct 24, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-24 10:17:16-04

There's no place like home, and there's no movie prop quite like Dorothy's ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz. 

The Smithsonian Institution, in an effort to preserve the iconic red shoes, made a plea for the public's help.

The institution launched a Kickstarter to raise the $300,000 needed for the mission -- and in just under a week, the campaign hit the mark.

The Smithsonian says in a video posted to the crowdfunding site that the shoes are nearly 80 years old and deteriorating.

Right now, the slippers are housed at the National Museum of American History.

Since the effort is now fully funded, the money will reportedly be used to properly conserve them and build a special display case with temperature and light control.

The institution does get federal funding, but the Smithsonian notes that money mostly goes toward core functions. So, when it comes to special projects, help is needed.

The campaign still has more than 20 days left, so the Smithsonian may be able to add some stretch goals.

This isn't the first time the Smithsonian has turned to the internet for help. It previously launched a crowdfunding campaign to conserve and display Neil Armstrong's spacesuit.