Santa Monica Public Library celebrates Women’s History Month with the authors of The Women Who Made Early Disneyland: Artists, Entertainers, and Guest Relations, on Saturday, March 16, from 3 to 4pm in the Main Library’s Multipurpose Room, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.
Co-authors Cindy Mediavilla and Kelsey Knox share stories about the often-overlooked women whose contributions were instrumental to the success of early Disneyland. The Women Who Made Early Disneyland, published by Lexington Books in January 2024, highlights the lives and accomplishments of more than 20 female Disney employees and contract workers, including Mary Blair, the legendary artist who created the iconic look of It’s a Small World; Ruth Shellhorn, the landscape architect who designed the park grounds in only three months; and Tiny Kline, who at the age of 71 became the first Tinker Bell to fly over the park every night. Mediavilla and Knox also discuss the stories behind the stories — their research process and the inspiration behind this project. A limited number of books will be available for sale and signing after the event.
This program is free and open to the public. For more information on Library programs, visit smpl.org. Santa Monica Public Library is wheelchair accessible. For disability-related accommodations, call (310) 458-8600 one week prior to event. Ride your bike or Big Blue Bus. Bicycle parking racks are available at the Library.
About the speakers
Cindy Mediavilla is a retired librarian and lecturer from the Department of Information Studies at UCLA, and a member of multiple Disney fan clubs. Kelsey Knox is the university archivist at the University of Santa Cruz and a lifelong Disney fan.
Barbara Chang Fleeman, Librarian
