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. As he was featured in the San Francisco Chronicle last month--and as our new exhibiton Heinrich Kley: From Fantasy to Fantasia is opening at the Museum this Friday May 11, we've asked this special exhibit's co-curator Michael Labrie... what do YOU do??
What is your title and what do YOU do here at our museum?
I am very fortunate to be the Director of Collections for the Walt Disney Family Foundation, managing a great staff of museum professionals in the preservation, and presentation of a world-class collection of animation art, memorabilia, photographs, audio, video, and other artifacts sharing the inspiring life story of Walt Disney. Together we get to share our treasures with the world! Working closely with Diane (Daughter of Walt Disney), I review potential donations and contribute to the decision making process for new acquisitions.
What is your fondest Disney memory OR what is your favorite gallery at the Walt Disney Family Museum and why?
I remember “talking” with Walt Disney, sitting on cushions in front of the black and white television watching the Wonderful World of Color with my siblings convinced we could see color coming through the screen! I am particularly fond of the television wall in Gallery 9 where I can relive some of the moments with my bothers and sisters (I am #7 out of 8) watching Walt Disney telling stories, alwaysintroducing us to new characters… I loved Chip & Dale, Zorro, and Davy Crockett.
How does your job communicate and interpret the legacy of Walt Disney?
Most recently, I couriered a small portion of our collection to Japan to participate with an exhibition. Our involvement and contribution to this exhibition with Disney Japan brought the man behind the brand to the people of Japan. During the opening dedication, hundreds of visitors came to tell me their stories and appreciation of Walt Disney. Visitors were intrigued to see the miniatures that he collected, a selection of his awards, and the furniture from the Disneyland apartment that he shared with Lillian and his family. The exhibition introduced the person to part of his most admiring and appreciative audience. Over 98,000 guests visited this showcase within 2 weeks!
Describe your workspace OR your favorite item on your desk:
My office is a little cluttered, as I seem to have run out of file cabinets. I’ve been told by my one of my staff that it looks like that of The Absent Minded Professor. My favorite thing in my office is the photo of my late parents with Mickey Mouse. In their senior years, they went to Walt Disney World, posed with MM and forever smile out at me! The same image is included in the changing videos in Gallery 10. I get to say hello to Arthur and Beatrice everyday!
Tell us a little known fact about you!
Back in 1987 I acquired a little Norfolk terrier. By 2001, I was well into the dog fancy and showed them for fun. One fine dog I bred and raised, The Duke of Copperplate, won over 40 Best in Shows! Subsequently, he became the top Norfolk Terrier in the country… all from the love of a scruffy, little red terrier! Duke kind of looks like Greyfriars Bobby.