The Library of Congress has unveiled its newest cultural treasure: a collection of rare Wizard of Oz music and lyric sketches by Harold Arlen and E.Y. “Yip” Harburg, offering the public a window into the creative process behind the 1939 film classic.
Introduction
The Library of Congress has acquired 35 rare manuscript items from the creators of The Wizard of Oz.
The acquisition, unveiled in Washington, D.C., includes the only known lyric sketch for “Over the Rainbow,” handwritten music and lyric drafts, and correspondence that highlight the artistry behind one of America’s most beloved films.
Preserving Harold Arlen’s Legacy
Harold Arlen, who composed the score of The Wizard of Oz, remains one of the most influential figures in American music. His collaboration with lyricist Yip Harburg produced unforgettable songs that have shaped film and stage history.
By adding these original documents to its archives, the Library underscores its mission to safeguard cultural milestones for future generations.
Inside the New Acquisition
Among the standout pieces is the only known lyric sketch for “Over the Rainbow,” a handwritten note on yellow legal paper with the words, “Some day I’ll wish upon a star + wake + find the darkness far behind me.”
These words, scrawled in pencil, reveal the very beginning of a song that won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1939.
The newly acquired materials include:
- Handwritten music sketches for “Off to See the Wizard.”
- Lyrics for the “Lollipop League” and “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead.”
The collection also contains music concepts labeled “Oz possibilities,” correspondence from film director Mervyn Leroy, and Arlen’s Academy Award trophy for “Over the Rainbow.”
Additional Highlights
This acquisition extends beyond The Wizard of Oz.
It features a rare 1929 self-portrait by George Gershwin gifted to Arlen, as well as letters and artwork from Arlen’s circle of colleagues and friends, including Louis Armstrong, Fred Astaire, and Cole Porter.
Collection Overview
Items from the newly added sketches complement the Harold Arlen Collection established in 2022.
That earlier donation included musical notebooks, typescripts, and photographs spanning Arlen’s decades of contributions to American music.
Highlights from the Library of Congress Acquisition
Item |
Description |
|---|---|
“Over the Rainbow” sketch |
Only known lyric draft on yellow legal paper. |
Music manuscripts |
Includes “Off to See the Wizard” and “Mayor of Munchkin Land.” |
Correspondence |
Letters from director Mervyn Leroy regarding song selections. |
Artwork |
1929 self-portrait by George Gershwin given to Harold Arlen. |
Public Display and Access
The public will be able to view selected materials in the Great Hall of the Thomas Jefferson Building beginning October 23, 2025.
The display, which also features items from Wicked and other Oz-related works, will run until January 7, 2026. Visitors can explore the manuscripts, lyric sheets, and correspondence that shaped the soundtrack of generations.
Broader Musical Heritage
The Harold Arlen Collection now sits alongside dozens of other songwriter archives preserved by the Library of Congress.
Collections include the works of Irving Berlin, George and Ira Gershwin, Richard Rodgers, and Leonard Bernstein. Together, they form an unparalleled record of American creativity in music and performance.
In Conclusion
The acquisition of these rare Wizard of Oz manuscripts offers a glimpse into the artistry that has inspired audiences for nearly a century.
By preserving and sharing these treasures, the Library of Congress ensures that Arlen and Harburg’s legacy remains a vibrant part of American cultural history. For more information and to plan a visit, explore the Library’s official website.
Sources: Library of the Congress.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
