A 101-Year-Old Entrepreneur Preserves a Timeless Treasure: The Largest Nutcracker Museum in the U.S.

Arlene Wagner, a 101-year-old entrepreneur, has been running the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum in Washington state since its founding in 1995 with her late husband, George Wagner. The museum now holds the largest collection of nutcrackers in the United States, boasting over 9,000 handcrafted nutcrackers, with one dating back to at least 200 AD. Wagner, who stands at 4 feet 10 inches tall, is often seen perched on a stool at the museum's entrance, wearing a pearl necklace and traditional German dirndl dress. Wagner's passion for nutcrackers began when she and her husband traveled extensively throughout Europe, collecting unique and intricate nutcrackers along the way. "I had no idea I was going to start a museum," Wagner said in an interview. "But my husband and I just loved collecting nutcrackers, and we thought, 'Why not share this with the world?'" The Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum is a two-story building located in the Bavarian-esque town of Leavenworth, Washington, at the foothills of the Cascade mountains. The museum's collection includes a wide range of nutcrackers, from traditional German and European designs to more modern and whimsical creations. Wagner's favorite piece in the collection is a figurine called "The Nutcracker Lady," which was designed in her image by a German craft maker. Wagner's dedication to the museum has been unwavering, even at the age of 101. "I'm still going strong," she said with a smile. "I love seeing people's faces light up when they come to the museum and see all the nutcrackers." Wagner's husband passed away in 2010, but she continues to run the museum with the help of a small staff. The Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum has become a popular tourist destination in the Pacific Northwest, attracting visitors from all over the world. The museum's collection is not only a testament to Wagner's passion for nutcrackers but also a reflection of the cultural significance of these small, intricately carved objects. Wagner's legacy extends beyond the museum itself. Her dedication to preserving traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage has inspired a new generation of collectors and enthusiasts. As the museum continues to grow and evolve, Wagner remains at the helm, a true icon of entrepreneurship and passion. In recent years, the museum has seen a surge in popularity, with visitors drawn to the unique and eclectic collection of nutcrackers. Wagner's 101st birthday was celebrated with a special exhibit featuring some of the museum's most rare and valuable pieces. As the museum looks to the future, Wagner remains committed to sharing her love of nutcrackers with the world. The Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum is open to the public and offers guided tours and educational programs. Visitors can explore the museum's vast collection and learn about the history and cultural significance of nutcrackers. For Wagner, the museum is more than just a collection of objects – it's a testament to the power of passion and dedication.