The Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum in Washington State has become an iconic attraction due to the dedication of Arlene Wagner, who founded it with her late husband George Wagner back in 1995. This unique museum now holds the largest collection of nutcrackers in the United States, boasting over 9,000 handcrafted pieces from around the world. The history behind this fascinating collection dates back to when Arlene was directing a ballet company and putting up a production of Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. She started collecting nutcrackers as part of her preparations for the show, but little did she know that it would eventually turn into such an extensive collection! The museum is located in Leavenworth, which has adopted a Bavarian theme for all its businesses including even their local McDonald’s. This unique town setting adds to the charm and appeal of the Nutcracker Museum, making it one of the main attractions for tourists visiting Leavenworth. Arlene Wagner, who recently celebrated her 101st birthday, is often seen at the museum entrance wearing a traditional German dirndl dress and pearls. Despite being small in stature (she stands at just 4 ft. 10 inches), she has an indomitable spirit that matches her collection’s size! The significance of this news event lies not only in its uniqueness but also in how it showcases the passion and dedication of one person towards a seemingly trivial object – the nutcracker. It serves as inspiration for others to pursue their interests wholeheartedly, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem at first glance. In conclusion, the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum is more than just a collection of quirky objects; it’s a testament to Arlene Wagner’s unwavering love for her hobby and her ability to turn it into something extraordinary. This museum stands as an example that even the smallest passions can grow into massive collections if nurtured with care and dedication.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/2025/12/09/nx-s1-5629014/nutcracker-museum-washington-leavenworth)
#101-year-old
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