Disney and Our “Museum of the Mind”
Seems like just about every article I submit has a reference to 50 years ago. Joyce Carlson 50+ years of service; Disneyland open 50+ years; 50 years of Iwerks working for the Disney Organization.
Haunted Mansion, Love Bug, Pirates of the Caribbean, It’s a Small World, Carousel of Progress, Great Moments, Snow White, Mary Poppins, Cinderella and, and, and… !!!!!
A historian could go crazy keeping up with all the anniversaries! Did I say historian! Let us not forget Dave Thomas, the Disney Historian who passed just over a year ago with over 50 years of service.
I’ve said this before and I wholeheartedly believe it. I am privileged to be born in the “Golden Years” of Disney entertainment. I am almost 60, and when I think back to my childhood, Disney is in there in some fashion. Whether it be Sunday evenings laying on the warm carpet in my pajamas watching The Wonderful World of Disney (and all the iterations of the program), the annual trip to Disneyland Resort or going to the movies to see the next blockbuster with my mom (and her panicking because she was sneaking a bag of popcorn and a snickers in her purse). Disney is a part of my museum fabric woven within the memories of my childhood and family.
This quarter D23 celebrates 50 years of the Disney Archives. This achievement is not just about the categorizing of materials and components of goods and services. It is about the preservation of an American Culture, or ever a World Culture, as it has grown today. Dave Thomas was the creator of this project and it has blossomed into a Museum of American Iconic History.
Consider the depth that the Disney organization has touch families around the world. Can anyone say that any product of entertainment achieved the same? Rolly Crump talked about the process in the documentary Disneyland Secrets Stories and Magic (available on YouTube). This process still exists today and has been a proven successful creative process that has hit home run after home run over the near 100 years of product. Disney has weaved its way into our lives, our hearts and our individual family history. Each of us are here because Disney is a part of us. Our love for the idea it represents and the community it creates. D-COT is a wonderful example of how Disney plants seeds of community that grow with the same care and commitment the company has.
As I sit back and wander the hallways of my mind, categorizing my museum of Disney memories, I find myself smiling, a feeling of love and warmth of family rushes over me. Memories of my parents and siblings, all surrounding the TV waiting for the next entertainment adventure. Even today, my siblings chuckle at my Disney addiction. It seems like there should be so much more to share, but alas, we only have a limited bandwidth…
I look forward to more memories to file in my “Museum of the Mind”.
What’s in your museum?
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EricaSonic22
Absolutely STUNNING Artwork there!
