The Wizard of Oz
“The Wonder City of Oz,” published in 1940, from the Toppan Rare Books Library.
Claim to Fame: Oscar Zoroaster Phadrig Issac Norman Henkle Emmanuel Ambroise Diggs—otherwise known as The Wizard of Oz—first emerged as a central character in author L. Frank Baum’s popular book series. A number of radio plays, two feature film productions, as well as stage adaptations (1978’s The Wiz, 2003’s Wicked) and novels have branched off of Baum’s original literary successes.
Special Skills: Hot-air balloon pilot, master illusionist, magician, inventor, and astute politician
Collection Connection: The Toppan Rare Books Library at the AHC holds a full run (all 14 written by Baum himself) of beautifully illustrated first-edition Oz books.
Carmen Sandiego
Carmen Sandiego animation cell, from the TV cartoon “Where on Earth is Carmen Sandiego,” Box 423, Andrew Heyward papers, #12533. UW American Heritage Center.
Claim to Fame: The star of the computer game, Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?, created by the Brøderbund Software company, Carmen Sandiego lives on in the hearts of minds of children everywhere. Her character inspired a PBS television series of the same name, as well as a second show, called Where in Time Is Carmen Sandiego?, which also aired on PBS, in addition to an animated series, Where on Earth Is Carmen Sandiego?.
Special Skills: Evades capture at every turn! Absconds with large landmarks and buildings without detection! (Where on Earth did she store her loot? Her storage capacity would be the envy of archives everywhere!)
Carmen Sandiego animation cell, from the TV cartoon “Where on Earth is Carmen Sandiego,” Box 386, Andrew Heyward papers, #12533. UW American Heritage Center.
Collection Connection: The AHC has just recently acquired the papers of Andrew Heyward, including animation cells from the Carmen Sandiego cartoon. Heyward’s animation company produced the show during its run on the FOX network.
Carmen Sandiego animation cell, from the TV cartoon “Where on Earth is Carmen Sandiego,” Box 387, Andrew Heyward papers, #12533. UW American Heritage Center.
