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. In celebration of Volunteer Appreciation Month this April--for the first time ever--we're highlighting one of our amazing volunteers here at our museum! Without further ado, we'd like to ask Jeff Ino... What do YOU do??
What is your title and what do YOU do here at The Walt Disney Family Museum?
I am a volunteer and a member at the museum. Living only a short distance from San Francisco, the museum was open for almost a year before I knew of its existence and I wanted to help get the word out so that others would come out and enjoy this amazing place. So now, as a volunteer, I enjoy getting out into the community and doing outreach for the museum. From local events here in the city to Disneyland, Walt’s Barn in Griffith Park, the Aulani in Hawaii or in Marceline, MO where Walt Disney spent his early childhood years, my goal is to increase the awareness of the WDFM to those who do not know about us or who cannot easily get to us for a visit. Any opportunity to meet with people and to share a little bit of our museum with them is special. I also try to come in and volunteer a couple of times a week because there is always something new to discover or something I didn’t notice the time before.
What is your fondest Disney memory OR what is your favorite gallery at The Walt Disney Family Museum and why?
To choose just one memory is difficult. I have so many great Disney memories, but the ones that I cherish and am most fond of revolve around times spent with my mother, before she passed away, when I was just a boy. Like most, Disney was a huge part of my childhood. From the earliest time I can remember, we used to read Disney books, watch The Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday evenings, go see all the classic movies and listen to the music. Often while strolling through the galleries, especially 4, 5 and 7 I am reminded of those very special times I spent with her and these are the moments that make everything come full circle for me.
How does your job communicate and interpret the legacy of Walt Disney?
As a volunteer we get to learn so many things about the legacy of Walt Disney, the man, and not just the brand that he created. To be able to share that with visitors is rewarding. The museum itself is a place of wonderment and inspiration and most everyone who comes to visit either has an amazing story to share or a great experience to take home with them. To be able to stand back and observe someone re-living their childhood memories while gazing at a movie clip or looking at an exhibit is something words cannot justify and you are reminded of what a privilege it is to be a small part of what goes on here and it is truly humbling.
Describe your workspace OR your favorite item on your desk:
My workspace is a little unique, because there is a car sitting in the middle of it. I recently designed and built an office that’s center piece is a car. Not a toy car, but an actual car. A vehicle, as it turns out, that is akin to the car that inspired 1967, New Tomorrowland, Autopia cars created by Bob Gurr. Recently, I even got to have a nice conversation about it with the Disney Legend himself. Along with the car is a fair amount of Disney Memorabilia, from an old, vintage rubber plane with Mickey Mouse in it, to newer gift shop items from our very own WDFM. There are lots of cool and modern things in there too, but it is the nostalgic pieces of it all that makes it so special. And as a Graphic Artist, I don’t have to look very far to find inspiration!
Tell us a little known fact about you!
One thing that most people don’t know about me is that I am an amateur chocolatier and a baker. I’ve been cooking since I was about 6 years old and enjoy being in the kitchen whenever I get the chance. As a creative type, dare I say… artist, I am always looking for different ways to express myself. I’ve been doing chocolate for about 10 years now and love experimenting with different ingredients and mediums to use with it. It’s amazing how many people like you when you have chocolate or cookies around… haha!
Would you--or do you know of someone who would--like to volunteer at The Walt Disney Family Museum to help share the history of animation, film, and the life and legacy of Walt Disney with guests from around the world? Complete our Volunteer Interest Form available here to schedule your interview for Spring!