OSHKOSH, Wis.— Released almost 70 years ago, Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" remains a timeless holiday classic. Now, fans of the film have a chance to relive the movie at the Oshkosh Public Museum.

What You Need To Know

  • White Christmas at the Oshkosh Public Museum runs from Nov. 13 to Jan. 23
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  • Donations benefit the Day by Day Warming Shelter

“We love that people have a very intimate attraction to this movie,” said Heather French Henry, who’s putting together the "White Christmas" exhibit. “Behind me, we have the sisters' dresses and there are thousands upon thousands of women who grew up singing with their sister, the song ‘Sisters.’"

Henry curates the Rosemary Clooney house in Kentucky. Rosemary Clooney, the aunt of actor George Clooney, starred in the film.  

“Vera Ellen's [dress] retained its color quite nicely; whereas Rosemary's was actually in a store window, so it was quite faded,” said Henry.

Some items from the film were borrowed from Paramount Pictures. Others were purchased and meticulously refurbished.

“In total, about three years of restoration, just in these two particular costumes,” said Henry describing the dresses.

While Henry enjoys sharing the movie’s treasures with Wisconsinites, there’s no hiding her favorite part of the exhibit.

“We have two of the military costumes," said Henry. “We have General Waverly played by Jean Jagger, and then we have Bing Crosby.”

Henry holds veterans' issues in high esteem. In 2000, she took home the Miss America crown while running on a veterans platform.

The crown she won now shares a jewelry box with dog tags and military medals, given to her by veterans.

“I’ve had a career working with veterans over the last 20 years,” said Henry. “I was the commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs for several years.”

In the spirit of the film and her appreciation of veterans, Henry launched Project Waverly, which this year will accept donations for the Day by Day Warming Shelter in Oshkosh. 

“Twenty percent of the people we serve at the warming shelter are veterans,” said Molly Yatso Butz, executive director of the shelter.

Donations for the shelter will be accepted at the museum as well as the Oshkosh Public Library.

“It's all the items that someone would need to stay warm and dry in a cold Wisconsin winter, such as long underwear, backpacks, sleeping bags, socks,” said Butz. “Those types of items are always needed here.”

As the weather turns colder, the items become more crucial for homeless people.

“That's what we think the film is all about, and to be able to bring it here to Oshkosh is a highlight of the season,” said Henry.