On Friday June 25th, D23 fans had a rare opportunity to attend the Disney Archives 40th Anniversary Celebration  at the studio’s Burbank, C.A. lot.

 At the celebration,  Disney Archives chief archivist and Disney Legend, Dave Smith,was presented with a special award for his 40 years of service with the Walt Disney Archives.

Dave founded the Disney Achives 40 years ago in 1970, and in those years he, Steven Clark, Becky Cline, Rob Klein, and many others, have lovingly preserved and catalogued the iconic props, costumes, artwork and ephemera from Walt Disney’s vast history.

D23 members were treated to a special evening, including a question and answer panel with Dave and film critic &  historian, Leonard Maltin.

There were also the additions of some special props, costumes and historic items presented to the Disney Archives by such illuminaries as Lost screenwriter and executive producer Carlton Cuse, Walt Disney Studios president of production Sean Bailey, Disney Channels Worldwide president of entertainment Gary Marsh, Mary Poppins actress, Karen Dotrice, son of Roy E, Disney, Roy Patrick Disney, and others.

Read the full report at D23’s web site.