Walt Disney Hometown Museum

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

07/10/2025

As we approach the 70th anniversary of the Disneyland Resort, we want to honor our original dreamer who started it all, Walt Disney. His vision, imagination, and unmatched sense of wonder gave life to The Happiest Place on Earth. Join us as we journey through the resort to explore the places connect...

07/04/2025

On this special Fourth of July, we’re feeling all the magic and nostalgia with A Kiss Goodnight — a beautifully reimagined book by two beloved Disney Legends, Richard M. Sherman and Floyd Norman.

It tells the touching story of a young Walt Disney, here on the Disney family farm in Marceline, witnessing fireworks for the very first time. To Walt, it felt like the perfect “kiss goodnight” — a magical moment that stayed with him forever.

The story gently follows Walt’s journey through life, all the way to the creation of Disneyland, where he dreamed of giving every Guest that same sense of wonder at the end of each day — a perfect kiss goodnight, just like the ones he remembered in Marceline.

Wishing you a magical and meaningful Fourth of July.

07/03/2025

02/27/2025

Looking forward to this upcoming event!

Get on board for an exciting fan-favorite event for D23 Gold Members—D23 is returning to Marceline on May 17, 2025!