New exhibit reveals Disney's surprising connection to World War II
Placing "Disney" and "the war effort" in the same sentence may sound like an unlikely combination, but soon, Seattle's Museum of Flight will reveal an exhibit that will help connect the dots for this unusual pairing.
The new exhibit, titled "The Walt Disney Studios and World War II," opens to the public July 9. It explores the surprising role Disney cartoons, beloved characters and the creative minds at The Walt Disney Studios played in boosting morale at home and abroad during World War II.
Curious to learn more about what you can expect before you plan a visit? Here's an overview of Disney's ties to the war, plus key details about the exhibit.
When World War II came to Disney's doorstep
Disney's connection to World War II began on Dec. 8, 1941, one day after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. In light of what had just transpired, the U.S. Army requisitioned the Disney studio lot in Burbank, California, for military use, as hundreds of soldiers from an anti-aircraft battalion were assigned to protect the nearby Lockheed Aircraft Company’s production facilities.
Despite Walt Disney's fame as an established Hollywood executive by that time, the Army gave him no other option but to turn over the studio lot. However, thanks to his patriotism, Disney reportedly did more than just welcome the soldiers. He also pledged to have his company help the troops.
Disney kept his word, and soon, his company was doing numerous things to support the war effort.
A shift in content production
Throughout World War II, The Walt Disney Studios focused on creating all kinds of content for the troops and the American public. More than 90% of the company's focus at the time was spent on producing films for military and government training, propaganda, entertainment and public-service education — all for little or no profit.
Additionally, the company created more than 200 training films focusing on everything from basic aircraft operation to the rules of navigating the "nautical road." It also produced two films, "Saludos Amigos" and "The Three Caballeros," as part of the U.S. government’s Good Neighbor Policy, which was created to tamp down Nazi sympathy in Central and South America. The films had some commercial success and were early examples of mixing live-action shots with animation.
The artists of The Walt Disney Studios dreamed up a number of cartoon emblems — 1,200, to be exact — for various branches of the military and groups associated with the military, too. For example, Dumbo was recruited for the insignia of the 2nd Reconnaissance Squadron in Fresno, California.
What to expect at the exhibit
Putting together an exhibition with beloved characters tied to Disney is no easy feat, so the museum enlisted the help of guest curator Kent Ramsey, who has a special interest in the show.
“Unfortunately, my uncle was shot down and killed one month before the war ended in Europe," Ramsey shared. "For me, this exhibition serves as a salute to his supreme sacrifice.”
Created in partnership with The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco, which hosted the inaugural nine-month show, the exhibit will feature various pieces that date back to the company's time making content for the war.
“This rarely shared period in the Studios’ history offers insight into the creativity, innovation and positivity that Walt and his team brought to the military leaders, troops and civilians at home and abroad,” said Kirsten Komoroske, executive director of The Walt Disney Family Museum.
Some of the 550 items that will be on display include stamp books, advertisements, magazines and government posters promoting an array of topics, including tax payment, food recycling and rationing.
Bottom line
Although some of the images and characterizations in "The Walt Disney Studios and World War II" exhibit may be far from the cute, happy iterations of Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Pluto and other Disney figures you may be used to, they offer a learning opportunity for both adults and children.
“In the context of present-day conversation, many of the images represented in this exhibition will likely take you aback," said Matt Hayes, president and CEO of The Museum of Flight. "Some may make you feel uncomfortable, but through the lens of yesterday’s social constructs we may use them to guide conversations with family and friends as we navigate many of the challenges that we, as an American society, are experiencing again today.”
You can check out the exhibit, which is free for all museum ticketholders, from July 9, 2022, through Feb. 5, 2023.
Related: Two 'hidden' aviation markers to seek out in Seattle
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.