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’ll 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 Sheri Dirden.
Sheri Dirden somewhat enigmatically relates, “I was born a long, long time ago in a bizarre land called Reno, Nevada. I was the youngest of three children. My mother was a socialite, and my father was married to the mob. My childhood was like a fairy tale. I was entitled, spoiled, pampered and doted on by my family. This made me a rather difficult child. After many years of therapy, being one with nature, the only lingering side affect is having champagne taste on a beer budget.
“I escaped the land of Reno and went away to college, where I met the love of my life, Rocky, and we are still married after 41 years. We led a bohemian lifestyle in the hills of western Sonoma County and raised three children, two of whom are still with us today. My beautiful daughter Amy died at age 14. She was a Disney girl, and I still feel her presence when I visit Disneyland. I recently retired from The Walt Disney Company (Disney Store) and was given some amazing benefits that will last a lifetime. Thank you Mouse!”
Recently, our Walt Disney Family Museum Membership Coordinator Pam Spedus sat down and had a brief conversation with Sheri about Walt, the Museum, and Membership.
PAM: Why did you become a member of the Walt Disney Family Museum?
SHERI: It seemed like a natural progression for me to become involved with the Museum. I had spent the last 13 years eating, breathing, and sleeping Disney—not to mention a lifelong love of anything Disney. I had watched the progress of the Museum online, and I knew I had to be a part of it, and support it. Becoming a Member, and later volunteering, gave me the ability to continue my “Disney journey.”
What do you find most enjoyable about your membership?
I would have to say the events. To be able to enjoy an afternoon or evening so close to home, listening to amazing Disney animators, historians, entertainers, and legends all share recollections of their time with Walt Disney, and being intimately involved with the process of creating his vision, is something I thought I would never have the opportunity to do.
I also enjoy bringing people to the museum, and turning them on to all that is here in this beautiful place.
What do you enjoy most about The Walt Disney Family Museum?
Well, being a woman who loves to shop, my first thought was the Museum Store! Seriously, that shop is to die for! I love listening to people in the shop just saying, “Wow!” On a less frivolous note I would have to say—hands down—the Exhibit, and the way the Galleries progress through Walt’s life. The attention to detail, the intimacy of the home movies and photos, the honesty that is displayed throughout, makes my “Disney heart” come alive (corny, I know). The whole Museum is a feast for the senses. The Family has shared with us a glimpse into Walt that one would never expect to see. The Museum is a “love letter” to him, and we are so privileged to be a part of it.
How does Walt inspire you?
I am inspired by the “magic” he created, the playfulness he infused into his work, and his never-ending desire to create and entertain. I also love his quotes, and I reference them frequently for inspiration in my own life.
What was your first Disney inspiration or memory?
The Mickey Mouse Club most inspired me. I wanted to be a Mouseketeer. I have told the story many times of sitting on the curb outside my grandfather’s home in Burbank, waiting to be discovered by Walt. I was sure I was just what he needed for the show. This went on every summer from the age of four to about age seven.
The construction of Disneyland, which I had followed eagerly in the Los Angeles Times, was constantly on my mind. My Mom would read all the articles to me. I felt like my home was being built! My Mother and I were there on opening day, thanks to my grandpa. I was hooked—body, mind, and soul. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. My Mom, however, thought she had died and gone to hell—much of which had to do with her wardrobe choice for the hottest day ever. But she learned to love it as much as I did after a while.
Anything else you would like to share about yourself?
I would like to say that everyone involved with the museum—from staff, volunteers, members and the public—constantly inspire me. What a wealth of knowledge! I learn something new every time I visit or volunteer. When I am in the museum I feel so welcome and embraced (yes, I am a hugger, so look out!). I have made lifelong friends there, and the joy I feel being a part of this incredible place is immeasurable. I am blessed…we all are!
Membership in The Walt Disney Family Museum has many benefits, including admission, complimentary film tickets, a quarterly newsletter, and a membership card that grants a 10% discount in the Museum Store—as well as discounts on selected educational and public programs. In addition, several times a year, special events for Members only are held within the museum itself. You can purchase immediate membership at the Reception and Member Services Desk at our museum during regular operating hours (Wednesday through Monday, 10am to 6pm), or online at www.waltdisney.org.