The inspiration of and appreciation for Walt Disney knows no boundaries. The membership at The Walt Disney Family Museum certainly reflects this diversity. Each month, we introduce you to one of our Members, so you can see the varied and frequently fascinating people, who have come together to learn and experience more about the life, work, philosophies, and ideals of Walt Disney. This month, we’d like you to meet Trish Healey!
Trish: I was born in San Francisco but moved to New York when I turned five. I was a long way from California and Disneyland but I remember watching The Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday evenings with my family. After becoming a teacher I decided to move back to California and settled in Santa Rosa where I met my husband, Gary.
Our first trip together was a trip to Disneyland. How exciting it was to go to The Happiest Place on Earth with the one that you love! It was so romantic to ride the Skyway to Fantasyland with the fireworks going off all around us. Just before our son, Neal, turned three we took him to Disneyland for the first time. It was a wonderful experience seeing Disneyland through his eyes. Going to Disneyland several times a year became our family tradition.
Why did you become a member of The Walt Disney Family Museum?
I was teaching an enrichment class for GATE students. The class was “The Magic of Disney.” I wanted the students to learn about Walt Disney, the person. As I searched for information to use in the class, I found the online Walt Disney Museum. It was a fantastic website full of information that I could use to teach my students. When I found out that the museum would be built in San Francisco, I knew that I had to become a part of it. I first contacted Pam Spedus (Membership Coordinator) to find out how to become a volunteer. I would have to wait a bit for that so I became a member of the museum first!
What do you find the most enjoyable about your membership?
There is so much to enjoy about my membership. I love that I can visit the museum whenever I want. It can be a quick visit to see a specific display in a gallery or I can spend the entire day soaking up the Disney magic. I like the special events that are for members only too. he newsletter has interesting articles about the museum as well as the full schedule of films, programs and activities. It is fun collecting all of The Inside Track buttons and postcards. I love that each button has a different photo from the Disneyland model.
What do you enjoy most about the museum?
I’m so glad that the museum is located in San Francisco so that all of the Northern California fans can visit a Disney treasure. I can usually travel to the museum in about an hour. It makes me feel happy that it is close to my home. I love going through all of the galleries. I always learn something new with each visit. The museum truly does a fantastic job teaching about Walt Disney. You get to know Walt on a personal level as well as the creative, business genius that he was. Attending events at the museum has been wonderful. I have met numerous Disney Legends and had unique experiences. It would take a book to write about all of them! I enjoy the staff, museum members, and fellow volunteers. I have made some wonderful new friends. You will find only the best people at The Walt Disney Family Museum!
How does Walt Disney inspire you?
Walt Disney inspired others to reach their highest potential. He had confidence in people that they didn’t even know existed in themselves. I try to do this every day when I am teaching my students. I want them to believe in themselves and always strive to do their best. Walt never gave up on his dreams no matter how many negative comments he heard. I want my students to do this as well. If you believe in yourself and work hard you can accomplish so much and go so far. Walt was curious and always wanting to learn about the world. I pride myself on being a lifelong learner, too. There is always something new and exciting to learn and do. It’s what keeps you young.
What is your first Disney memory?
One of my early Disney memories was our family trip to Disneyland when I was ten. I was crazy about horses at the time. I was so excited to see the Pack Mules Through Nature’s Wonderland attraction. 
I would be able to combine my love of horses and Disney at the same time. (Ok. I know that horses and mules are different but they were close in size.) I was mortified when I was told that I would have to wear a safety belt as I rode. I started to refuse until the cast member told me no belt then no ride. I silently complied and my equestrian dreams of grandeur were dashed. I soon forgot about the belt and enjoyed my ride through Nature’s Wonderland. It was a wonderful experience and a fantastic trip. I couldn’t wait to go back.
Anything else that you would like to share about yourself?
I love to travel with my family. Wherever we go, I look for Disney connections. I was excited to learn that Ben Sharpsteen (animator, director and producer for The Walt Disney Studios) founded the Sharpsteen Museum in Calistoga, CA. It is an interesting museum about Calistoga’s history but has a Founder’s Room that showcases Ben’s career with Disney. You can see the Oscar that the studios won for Ama Girls and Ben’s “Mousecar” too. We also visit antique shops where I am always on the lookout for new Disney treasures to add to my collection.
For more information on membership at The Walt Disney Family Museum, or to join today, please visit our membership page!