Walt Disney Hometown Museum

07/04/2026

Walt Disney called Main Street, U.S.A. the "heartline of America," and author Christopher Finch wrote in Walt Disney's America that "Marceline must have been at the core of his memories and his concept of America."

Walt's connection to the Fourth of July reaches all the way back to his childhood in Marceline. It was here that he saw fireworks for the very first time. As the colors filled the night sky, they left such a lasting impression that years later he would describe the perfect ending to a day as a "Kiss Goodnight."

Nearly fifty years later, Walt and Roy Disney returned to Marceline over the Fourth of July to dedicate the Walt Disney Municipal Park & Swimming Pool—the very same park where Marceline's Independence Day fireworks continue to light up the sky each year.

This Fourth of July is especially meaningful as we celebrate an extraordinary collection of milestones: America's 250th birthday, Walt Disney's 125th birthday, the 120th anniversary of the Disney family's move to Marceline, the 70th anniversary of the Walt Disney Municipal Park, and the 25th anniversary of the Walt Disney Hometown Museum.

From all of us at the Walt Disney Hometown Museum, we wish you a joyful Fourth of July. Happy Independence Day, America!

06/22/2026

We look forward to seeing you all in Marceline this September!

D23 continues the celebration of Walt Disney: 125 Years of Inspiration—celebrating the 125th birthday of Walt Disney and his legacy—by returning to Walt’s boyhood home in Marceline, MO!

06/10/2026

We are thrilled to congratulate our dear friend, Disney Legend and animator Floyd Norman, on being honored with an Academy Honorary Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Floyd has been a cherished guest at several of our Museum events, inspiring audiences with his stories, talent, and remarkable legacy.

We can think of no one more deserving of this extraordinary recognition. Congratulations, Floyd, on this well-earned honor!

The Academy describes Floyd as an animator and storyboard artist who began his esteemed 65-year career at Walt Disney Animation Studios in 1956, becoming the studio’s first Black animator. His first Disney feature film was “Sleeping Beauty,” and he contributed to such classic feature films as “The Sword in the Stone,” “Mary Poppins,” “The Jungle Book” and “Robin Hood,” as well as the short films “Donald in Mathmagic Land,” “Goliath II” and “Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree.” Norman’s other notable film credits include “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “Mulan,” “Toy Story 2” and “Monsters, Inc.”

The Honorary Award is given “to honor extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences in any discipline, or for outstanding service to the Academy.”

03/01/2026

In 2001 — as part of Walt Disney’s 100th birthday celebration — the Walt Disney Hometown Museum first opened its doors to share the story of the small town that helped shape one of the greatest dreamers the world has ever known.

Today, March 1, 2026, we proudly open our doors for our 25th season.

For 25 years, this Museum has stood as a tribute not just to Walt Disney, but to the place he always carried in his heart.

As Walt himself once said:
"More things of importance happened to me in Marceline than have happened since — or are likely to in the future."

It was here that Walt found inspiration in the quiet charm of small-town life, trains that sparked his lifelong fascination, the freedom of childhood that shaped the storytelling behind so many films, and the sense of community that became the emotional foundation of his work

Marceline wasn’t just where Walt grew up — it was where he learned to dream.

For a quarter of a century, the Walt Disney Hometown Museum has helped keep those dreams alive by welcoming visitors from around the world to experience the town that inspired imagination, optimism, and the belief that anything is possible.

As we begin our 25th season today, we invite you to celebrate with us — to remember, to explore, and to rediscover the magic that started right here.

Here’s to 25 years — and to the dreams still ahead.

12/05/2025

Today in Marceline, we celebrate the birthday of Walt Disney, whose big dreams began right here in our small Missouri town. At the Walt Disney Hometown Museum, we’re reminded every day how deeply Walt’s love for Marceline shaped his imagination and inspired the magic he shared with the world.

Happy Birthday, Walt!
Thanks for showing us that the greatest dreams can grow from the simplest places—and that hometowns never leave our hearts.

11/26/2025

Happy Thanksgiving!

Friendly reminder: The Walt Disney Hometown Museum will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.

We’ll be right back the very next day with our normal hours—ready to welcome you to Walt’s Marceline.

10/24/2025

What started in his childhood garage is now in theme parks around the world.

09/02/2025

Academy Award–nominated documentary filmmaker Leslie Iwerks recently announced her newest project, Disneyland Handcrafted, set to be released later this year. We are thrilled to have Leslie join us as the featured speaker at this year’s Dreaming Tree Gala on the Disney Family Farm.

For more information, visit https://www.waltdisneymuseum.org/

08/19/2025

Only a Limited Number of Tickets Remaining

2025 Dreaming Tree Gala at the Disney Family Farm

Join us on the Disney Family Farm for our 2025 Dreaming Tree Gala, a magical evening under the stars as we celebrate the timeless charm of Walt Disney’s Lady and the Tramp. This year, we’re honoring the film’s nostalgic spirit—one that echoes the small-town, turn-of-the-century life Walt himself cherished growing up in Marceline, Missouri.

With our Special Guest: Leslie Iwerks.

Leslie Iwerks is an Academy Award–nominated filmmaker whose documentaries have beautifully preserved the magic of Disney history. With a deep passion for storytelling, she’s brought to life unforgettable films like The Hand Behind the Mouse: The Ub Iwerks Story, The Pixar Story, Industrial Light & Magic: Creating the Impossible, and The Imagineering Story.

Leslie is also part of a truly magical legacy. She’s the granddaughter of Disney Legend and Missouri native Ub Iwerks, the brilliant innovator who played a key role in shaping Disney animation, developing groundbreaking special effects, and co-creating the beloved Mickey Mouse. Her father, Don Iwerks—another Disney Legend—carried that creative torch forward, pioneering film and camera innovations that transformed the way stories are brought to life on screen.

https://waltdisneyhometownmuseum.betterworld.org/events/2025-dreaming-tree-gala-at-disne

07/22/2025

Join us on the Disney Family Farm for our 2025 Dreaming Tree Gala, a magical evening under the stars as we celebrate the timeless charm of Walt Disney’s Lady and the Tramp. This year, we’re honoring the film’s nostalgic spirit—one that echoes the small-town, turn-of-the-century life Walt himself cherished growing up in Marceline, Missouri.

Our evening will feature a cozy spaghetti and meatballs dinner, lovingly inspired by Tony’s Restaurant from the film. Guests will also step into Peg’s Speakeasy, a delightful tribute to Lady and the Tramp's legendary songwriter, Peggy Lee.

As the sun sets over the fields where Walt once played, our evening will end with the magic of our signature Kiss Goodnight Fireworks, lighting up the same skies where young Walt saw fireworks for the very first time.

We are honored to welcome a very special lineup of guests, including Leslie Iwerks, Don Peri, Matt McKim, Marcy Carriker Smothers, and Holly Foster Wells.

We can’t wait to share this unforgettable night with you on September 20, 2025, in Walt Disney’s beloved hometown of Marceline. Come celebrate the heart, history, and enduring magic of a story—and a place—that continues to inspire the world.

https://waltdisneyhometownmuseum.betterworld.org/events/2025-dreaming-tree-gala-at-disne

Special Guests

Leslie Iwerks is an Academy Award–nominated filmmaker whose documentaries have beautifully preserved the magic of Disney history. With a deep passion for storytelling, she’s brought to life unforgettable films like The Hand Behind the Mouse: The Ub Iwerks Story, The Pixar Story, Industrial Light & Magic: Creating the Impossible, and The Imagineering Story. Leslie is also part of a truly magical legacy. She’s the granddaughter of Disney Legend and Missouri native Ub Iwerks, the brilliant innovator who played a key role in shaping Disney animation, developing groundbreaking special effects, and co-creating the beloved Mickey Mouse. Her father, Don Iwerks—another Disney Legend—carried that creative torch forward, pioneering film and camera innovations that transformed the way stories are brought to life on screen.

Don Peri is a Disney historian and author whose work lovingly captures the voices behind the magic. Through his heartfelt and insightful books—Working with Walt: Interviews with Disney Artists, Working with Disney: Interviews with Animators, Producers, and Artists, and most recently, Directing at Disney: The Original Directors of Walt's Animated Films—Don has preserved the stories of the talented individuals who helped bring Walt Disney’s vision to life.

Matt McKim is a retired Walt Disney Imagineer whose creative talents in sculpting, art direction, and dimensional design helped bring Disney’s immersive worlds to life. Carrying on a rich family legacy, Matt is the son of Disney Legend Sam McKim—affectionately known as the “Master Map Maker” of the Disney Parks. Matt has imagination and artistry in his DNA.

Marcy Carriker Smothers is the premier Disney food historian and author whose books serve up heaping helpings of Disney magic and nostalgia. With titles like Eat Like Walt: The Wonderful World of Disney Food, Walt’s Disneyland: A Walk in the Park with Walt Disney, and 100 Disney Adventures of a Lifetime, Marcy invites readers to experience Disney through the lens of flavor, history, and heart. She also happens to be the grand-niece of legendary singer and songwriter Peggy Lee.

Holly Foster Wells is the devoted granddaughter of legendary singer and songwriter Peggy Lee. Through her work with Peggy Lee Associates, Holly has lovingly carried the torch, ensuring her grandmother’s incredible legacy continues to shine. Peggy Lee was a vital creative force behind Lady and the Tramp—not only writing and performing the film’s original songs, but also lending her voice to four unforgettable characters.

https://waltdisneyhometownmuseum.betterworld.org/events/2025-dreaming-tree-gala-at-disne

General Admission Tickets Include:
Dinner on the Disney Family Farm
Access to Peg’s Speakeasy
Guided Tours of Marceline
Gift Bag
Walt Disney Hometown Museum Admission

General Admission Tickets Schedule:
10 AM - 4 PM: Walt Disney Hometown Museum Open
1 PM - 4 PM: Guided Tours of Marceline
6 PM - 7 PM: Peg's Speakeasy
7 PM - Dinner on the Disney Family Farm
8 PM - Guest Speaker Leslie Iwerks
9 PM - Kiss Goodnight Fireworks

VIP Admission Tickets Include:
Access to Guest Speaker Panels
Dinner on the Disney Family Farm
Access to Peg’s Speakeasy
Guided Tours of Marceline
Gift Bag
Walt Disney Hometown Museum Admission

VIP Admission Tickets Schedule:
10 AM - 4 PM: Walt Disney Hometown Museum Open
10 AM - 11 AM: Guided Tours of Marceline
1 PM - 4 PM: Guest Speakers Panel
1 PM - Marcy Carriker Smothers & Holly Foster Wells
2 PM - Matt McKim
3 PM - Don Peri
6 PM - 7 PM: Peg's Speakeasy
7 PM - Dinner on the Disney Family Farm
8 PM - Guest Speaker Leslie Iwerks
9 PM - Kiss Goodnight Fireworks

https://waltdisneyhometownmuseum.betterworld.org/events/2025-dreaming-tree-gala-at-disne