On a regular basis, we ask members of our team to answer five questions about their positions at The Walt Disney Family Museum, their fondest Disney memories, and other personal tidbits.
This summer, as we have two special exhibitions going on at th esame time—Leading Ladies and Femmes Fatales: The Art of Marc Davis and MAGIC, COLOR, FLAIR: the world of Mary Blair—look up while you walk around the streets of San Francisco. You'll notice banners, bus-sides, BART billboards, and so many other colorful ads pointing you directly to our exhibitions. So this month of June, we're asking Caitlin Moneypenny-Johnston... what do YOU do?
WDFM: What is your title and what do YOU do here at The Walt Disney Family Museum?
I’m the marketing and communications manager. I oversee the marketing and communication department, which handles publicity, social media, our website, graphic design, group sales, tourism outreach, and more. I personally handle all advertising, brand management, and promotional partnerships. I also I helped launch our after-hours program, Animate Your Night, and have been responsible for much of the thematic programming and activities at those events.
WDFM: What is your fondest Disney memory OR what is your favorite gallery at our museum and why?
I have to cheat here and say two Disney memories. My best friend/cousin grew up going to Disneyland at least once a year, every year. One year when we were probably 6 or 7, our grandma made us matching outfits comprised of three separates—little shorts, a midriff top and vest. It was SO 80s, but I have such fond memories of that outfit and being matchy-matchy with my best friend. We also had matching, reversible Minnie Mouse sweaters that were a favorite.
The second is more recent, during Halloween 2012. Andi Wang, the museum’s communications and digital media manager, and I got up really early one morning to go to Disneyland. Our first stop was the coffee cart near the Hub to get pumpkin spice lattes, then the churro cart in New Orleans Square, then we marched straight to the Haunted Mansion. It was so early that there was absolutely no line! We walked right up to the front door like it was someone’s house, and no one noticed us taking our churros and coffee on the ride. We enjoyed our treats while singing along to the Nightmare Before Christmas soundtrack. It was perfection!
WDFM: How does your job communicate and interpret the legacy of Walt Disney?
Since I am responsible for the bulk of the communication that leaves the museum, communicating Walt’s legacy is a critical part of my job. Our department is constantly working to ensure that people know about this museum, our mission, and Walt’s life, and that our communication goes out in an effective and accurate manner. The best and most challenging part is exposing new audiences to his story and legacy, as many people don’t realize the offering in our galleries and how much Walt has impacted everyday American life.
WDFM: Describe your workspace OR your favorite item on your desk:
Since my office doesn’t have a window, I’ve created a special little woodland vignette above my desk with shoebox dioramas of felt trees and a collection of woodland animal ornaments, including squirrels, owls, and birds. My love for woodland whimsy is directly connecting to watching Sleeping Beauty over and over again as a child.
WDFM: Tell us a little known fact about you!
I’m a bit of an over-sharer, so there isn’t much that’s unknown about me. It’s pretty obvious that I love vintage clothing, kitty cats, yoga, and crafting, but my happiest place of all is the great outdoors, specifically the woods with a good river or lake to swim in. Also, I have in my possession BOTH the Lady & the Tramp and Si & Am circle skirts that were sold at as DIY fabric panels at Disneyland in the 1950s.