Feature Article Some Highlights from the Collection of the Future Walt Disney Family Museum The proposed Walt Disney Family Museum at the Presidio will have many priceless objects and artifacts that evoke special moments in Walt's life and career. Many of these were collected by Walt himself; others are gifts or awards, while some have been acquired by Walt's family in recent years. All of the objects discussed in this article are shown in the column at right. Simply click on a picture to see an enlargement. The special film in this exhibit provides additional archival footage for many of these artifacts. Red Cross Ambulance One prized possession in the collection is a Ford Red Cross ambulance, similar to the one that Walt drove while working as a Red Cross volunteer in the aftermath of World War I. Using an ambulance just like the one shown here, Walt drove officers and supplies all over northern France. Animator's Desk Below is an animator's work desk from the Burbank Studio, specially designed by the industrial designer Kem Weber under Walt's personal supervision–as was every detail of the new Studio. The desk was specifically designed for the task of animation, with such handy features as a backlit glass platen on which the animator could place his drawings as he worked. Walt's Miniatures Walt was always fascinated by miniatures, and collected them from all over the world. At one point, Walt even planned to have a miniature traveling exhibit that would have been called "Disneylandia." This table set is an example of Walt's extensive private collection. The Museum exhibit will also include this exquisite model of the Mark Twain, a Mississippi paddle boat custom built for Disneyland. The Optical Printer Since its earliest days, the Disney studio would often experiment with the combination of animated characters and live action against filmed or painted backgrounds. The special Optical Printer, designed by Ub Iwerks in 1942, offered a breakthrough in the way Walt could blend these different elements in his films. The Red Car The sleek red sports car was one of 40 Autopia vehicles introduced at Disneyland on Opening Day. It later traveled the country in promotional shows for Disneyland. It was then modified for use by Walt's grandchildren, who called it "the red car" after it received the addition of a reverse gear, custom hubcaps, and red paint with silver accents. The Lilly Belle Another prized possession is the Lilly Belle, Walt's miniature train which was designed for his new home on Carolwood Drive in Holmby Hills. The train track ran all around Walt's house. Walt called it the Carolwood Pacific. At the very end of the train is a yellow caboose. It was built by Walt himself in the red barn on the property that served as his workshop. The 'Snow White' Academy Award The future museum will also include many of the hundreds of awards that Walt received during his lifetime from organizations throughout the United States and around the world. One famous award is the special Academy Award which Walt received for his first feature-length animated film, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." The award was presented to him by none other than Shirley Temple. Congressional Medal In 1969, the U.S. Congress authorized the creation of a special Commemorative Medal which was presented by President Richard Nixon to Lillian Disney some three years after Walt's death. Be sure to revisit this website and see our new monthly feature "News About The Museum" to find out more about the proposed Walt Disney Family Museum at the Presidio and its collection