The late Disney Legend, Dave Smith will be receiving another honor this year when his very own tribute window is installed at Disneyland. The June 22 unveiling will correspond with the 50th anniversary of the Walt Disney Archives founding.
Photo via D23
What’s happening:
- This morning during the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Disney Executive Chairman Bob Iger announced that Disney Legend Dave Smith will be given his own tribute window on Main Street U.S.A. at Disneyland.
- Smith started working for The Walt Disney Company in 1970 when he was hired by Walt’s brother, Roy to found and grow the Walt Disney Archives.
- D23 points out that Smith’s work started as a one man operation and grew to be “a model among corporate archives.”
- Smith was the final authority on all things relating to and spanning the history of the Disney company.
- According to D23, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Walt Disney Archives, Smith’s window will be revealed on June 22, 2020.
About Dave Smith:
- Smith who passed away in 2019 at the age of 78, was honored with his Disney Legend Award in 2007.
- In 2010 he retired from the company, but remained on in an advisory role serving as Chief Archivist Emeritus.
- Over the years, he wrote about Disney’s history with his articles appearing in several company, regional, and national publications.
- He also wrote Disney A to Z —the official Disney encyclopedia and co-authored and edited Disney books including:
- The Ultimate Disney Trivia Book
- Disney: The First 100 Years
- The Quotable Walt Disney
What he said:
- Dave Smith on his Disney career: “My greatest reward has been getting to know the many people who have come to use the Archives over the years. I have been especially proud to be a guide and mentor to so many young people who have gone on to exceptional careers in the Disney organization.”