Welcome to the Vent Haven Museum, the unique institution that stands as the world’s only museum dedicated to the art of ventriloquism. Located in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, this museum is a treasure trove for those intrigued by the mysterious and entertaining world of ventriloquism.
The story of Vent Haven begins with a man named William Shakespeare Berger, a Cincinnati businessman whose fascination with ventriloquism was sparked in 1910 when he purchased his first dummy, Tommy Baloney, in New York City. Though Berger dabbled in ventriloquism himself, he quickly realized that his passion lay in collecting rather than performing. Over the next few decades, Berger amassed an impressive collection of ventriloquist figures, eventually housing over 500 dummies by the time of his death in 1972.
In 1947, Berger retired as president of the Cambridge Tile Company and focused his efforts on his growing collection. He converted his garage to accommodate the increasing number of figures and built a second building in 1962 to house even more. Concerned about the future of his beloved collection, Berger established a charitable foundation to ensure its preservation, leading to the creation of the Vent Haven Museum.
Today, the museum boasts over 1,100 dummies, along with an extensive array of memorabilia, including playbills, posters, and photographs that chronicle the history and evolution of ventriloquism. Notable figures in the collection include replicas of Edgar Bergen’s famous dummies Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd, as well as figures used by modern ventriloquist Terry Fator.
Every year, Vent Haven serves as the unofficial host of the Vent Haven ConVENTion, a gathering of ventriloquists from around the globe. This event is a testament to the museum’s role in the broader context of entertainment history and its significance within the ventriloquism community.
Visitors to Vent Haven are treated to guided tours led by knowledgeable staff who share fascinating stories about the figures on display and the art of ventriloquism itself. The museum’s dedication to preserving this unique form of entertainment makes it a must-visit destination for those curious about the craft.
As you explore Vent Haven, you’ll discover not just a collection of dummies but a vibrant history of an art form that has captivated audiences for generations.
