55 years ago, on June 22, 1970, the Walt Disney Archives was founded to collect, preserve, and share the history and legacy of The Walt Disney Company.
“Walt Disney always intimated that great storytelling was at the heart of everything we do,” Rebecca Cline, Director, Walt Disney Archives, noted. “And that is still true today.”
So, when the team at the Archives was looking for the perfect way to celebrate its 55th anniversary, they found no better expression than to create a short film that tells the story of how the Archives works: A Daring Journey into the Walt Disney Archives.
However, the film has a unique perspective — it’s told through the eyes of a Pinocchio animator’s model used during the production of the 1940 film, taking viewers on a whimsical and heartfelt journey (filled with Easter Eggs) through the archival process.
Putting It Together
While the decision to tell the story through the eyes of an asset was a collaborative effort at the Archives, the idea to use Pinocchio came from Joanna Pratt, Director, Operations & Business Strategy, Walt Disney Archives.
As the film follows the Pinocchio model from discovery to display, it showcases the meticulous care and cutting-edge technology involved in preserving Disney’s legacy.
“Once acquired by the Archives, the asset is properly condition reported, catalogued, and stored so we can associate a location and any condition details with that item,” Pratt explained. “Often, the item is extensively researched, so we know where, when, and how it was used prior to coming into the Archives. This is especially important so we have documentation to support any future use of the item, such as exhibition or display.”
In the film, the Pinocchio model’s journey includes a visit to the Archives’ Digital Preservation lab, where it is captured in high detail and 3D scanned.
That’s when the film takes an even more whimsical turn, as Pinocchio — alarmed by the new digital technology — escapes from the archivists’ care and races through the Archives.
Here, from Pinocchio’s point of view, the film is able to take audiences through a few of the lesser-seen parts of the Archives and fills up the story with Easter Eggs — nods to beloved Disney properties and hidden treasures from the department’s vast collection.
“We wanted to use this opportunity to showcase the breadth of our collection and, of course, a few of our ‘crown jewels,’” Pratt said.
Fans can delight in catching items such as Mary Poppins’ “Jolly Holiday” costume, worn by Disney Legend Julie Andrews, the Ark of the Covenant from The Great Movie Ride attraction at Walt Disney World Resort, a dress worn by Kate Winslet in 1997’s Titanic (which joined the collection in 2019 after The Walt Disney Company acquired 20th Century Studios), and so much more.
There are a few more personal connections for the Pinocchio animator’s model as well. He has a special moment when he gazes up at a large Pinocchio puppet from Disneyland’s Fantasmic! and is captured in a cage used during the filming of the 2022 live-action Pinocchio starring Tom Hanks.
The People Behind the Archives
It’s not just historical objects that fans see in the short film, as the cast is rounded out by nearly all the Archives staff.
“Our team has grown exponentially since 1970,” Pratt said. “What began as a department of one in 1970 has grown to over 40, and we are thrilled to feature them in this film.”
The film even has a cameo from that one person in 1970 — Walt Disney Archives founder and Disney Legend Dave Smith. When Roy O. Disney was leading the company after Walt’s passing in 1966, it was Dave who approached Roy with the idea to start a business archive to preserve the history of the Disney organization
“Together, the two men created the first entertainment archive in Hollywood,” Cline said. “Now, 55 years later, it is a model for corporate archives all over the world.”
The final scene also has an especially poignant appearance, featuring Theodore (Ted) Thomas — motion picture director and producer, and son of Disney Legend Frank Thomas, who helped to animate Pinocchio in the 1940 film — as he admires the character model in its new home: a featured display case in Disney California Adventure Park.
“It was especially touching to work with Ted on this video since the model we feature in the display was likely among the few used by his father some 85 years ago,” Pratt shared.
Preserving the Past, Propelling the Future
While the Archives is rooted in history, its mission is far from static.
“The Walt Disney Archives was founded on June 22, 1970 — 55 years ago, to protect, preserve, and share the history and legacy of The Walt Disney Company,” Cline said. “At that time, longtime employees and staff were retiring and passing on, so it became very important to save the historical documents, assets, and vast institutional knowledge that would be otherwise lost.”
Disney holds a special place in the hearts of many around the world, evoking cherished childhood memories, family connections, and countless other meaningful associations. Today, the Archives plays a key role in protecting Disney’s storied history and sharing it with the fans to whom the brand often means so much.
“We create wonderful historic programming to share that rich history, and also beautiful exhibits of actual artifacts,” Cline said. “Fans love to see the props, costumes, ride vehicles, and art that were such an important part of their own childhoods and further life experiences.”
At its core, the Walt Disney Archives helps preserve the ideals that have guided the company for over a century.
“Today, the company still follows in the footsteps of Walt Disney, creating timeless stories, believable characters, and enchanting experiences,” Cline remarked. “It’s our job here at the Walt Disney Archives to make sure that everyone can learn how Walt himself made magic — and by keeping Walt’s legacy alive, we can make sure that we, as a creative company, are able to continue ‘making the magic’ in new and innovative ways.”
The Archives is looking forward as well. “The new stories that we tell at Disney today will be tomorrow’s history and legacy,” Cline said. “If we keep to our mission, to protect, preserve and share the history of The Walt Disney Company, we will continue to make sure that there is always Disney magic in the world — for the next 55 years, and beyond.”
