Each month, we ask a museum staff member to answer five questions about their position at The Walt Disney Family Museum, their fondest Disney memories, and personal tidbits. This month, it gives us extreme pleasure to highlight an integral part of our Collections staff and blog team! So today we're asking this birthday girl (and our Evil Creative Genius) Anel Muller... what do YOU do?!
Anel and the fairest one of all--her daughter Laila! (Halloween 2010).
What is your title and what do YOU do here at The Walt Disney Family Museum?
I am the Registrar and Curatorial Assistant. On the registrar side, I am in charge of making sure that every artifact in our permanent collection is accurately recorded in our database. I track everything about the object once it enters our collection from where it lives, to how many times it is displayed, and especially if it ever gets treated or repaired in conservation. On the curatorial assistant side, I write all the captions for artifacts selected for exhibition. Oftentimes, I conduct research on not only the individual objects but on common themes, this has allowed me to be able to write text for some of the exhibitions in the theater lobby, little tidbits throughout our permanent galleries and our blog.
What is your fondest Disney memory OR what is your favorite gallery at The Walt Disney Family Museum and why?
I grew up in Miami, FL so a yearly pilgrimage to Walt Disney World was the status quo. When I was 8, I clearly remember standing in line for the Carousel of Progress and watching the video with Walt and the Sherman Brothers (that is in gallery 9 of the WDFM). I made a decision at that moment that I would work for Disney one way or another. However, I have absolutely no drawing skills whatsoever. Fast forward, 20 years and I found the job at WDFM and it did not require any drawing skills (phew!)
How does your job communicate and interpret the legacy of Walt Disney?
Working so closely with the permanent collection, I get a front row view of who Walt was and what he accomplished during his lifetime. It is obvious to me, Walt was an extremely positive person that trusted his instincts. I always try to remember that when I am working on a project and I feel discouraged or overwhelmed. In the end, I know if my gut is telling me to move forward than I should because it will all turn out well in the end.
Describe your workspace OR your favorite item on your desk:
I have a desk in the "dungeon" or the collections storage area. It is underground so I have no windows and that is why the space has earned itself that moniker. My desk has a 7 Dwarfs desk set that I have had since I was about 15 and a modern limited edition Evil queen figurine that I got at some point as well. I did decide to do an homage to my heritage, and I have reproductions of Art Deco magazine covers from Cuba as my main decor with a photo of Walt in Havana. Original drawings by my 4 year old daughter also add to the decor. Other than that, it is a pretty standard desk.
Tell us a little known fact about you!
I hope to travel the world and although I can't wait to see places like France, Norway and Japan, the place on the top of my travel wish list is........Tibet!