Rare Artwork, Private Collections, and Stories Yet Untold
From the D23 Archives Stage at the D23 Expo 2019, this unique session titled “Digging Deeper: Uncovering Disney’s Hidden History” took fans beyond the surface of Disney’s storied past. Hosted by the leadership team of the Hyperion Historical Alliance, the panel explored how much Disney history exists outside the official archives—from forgotten sketches and diaries to privately held artwork never seen before.
The Ink & Paint book is a product of the Alliance, with volume 2 on the way
The panel was led by:
Didier Ghez, President of the Hyperion Historical Alliance
Mindy Johnson, Vice President
Paula Sigman-Lowery, Secretary
Together, they highlighted the importance of preserving these precious pieces of the Disney legacy—many of which have never been available to the public or even to Disney itself.
The Mission of the Hyperion Historical Alliance
The Hyperion Historical Alliance is a nonprofit organization devoted to uncovering and protecting Disney’s lesser-known history. Their mission is to connect Disney historians, writers, and enthusiasts who share a passion for preserving untold stories, especially those found outside the traditional Disney archives.
D23 EXPO 2019 – The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place August 23 – 25 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (The Walt Disney Company/Image Group LA) PAULA SIGMAN-LOWERY, DIDIER GHEZ, MINDY JOHNSON
Not every artifact, sketch, or journal entry from Disney’s early days made it into the company’s vault. Some of the most compelling historical treasures are held in private hands or tucked away in personal collections—and it’s those exact gems that the HHA works tirelessly to catalog, share, and preserve.
A Treasure Trove of Forgotten History
Throughout the panel, the hosts showcased:
Never-before-seen artwork
Lost photographs and candid behind-the-scenes images
Personal notes, sketches, and journals from Disney legends and artists
Exciting insights into upcoming research publications and preservation efforts
This panel was a dream for Disney historians and Disney nerds alike, offering new revelations and inspiring fans to continue digging deeper into Walt’s incredible legacy.
D23 Expo 2019 Digging Deeper into Disney History
D23 Expo 2019 Digging Deeper into Disney History – Hosted by the Hyperion Historical Alliance
The Hyperion Historical Alliance has worked closely with many DIsney History organizations including Ryman Arts
Some of the documentation recently digitized and preserved by the alliance. Including Personal Notes documenting Disney History
Drawing from a Ryman sketch book after a trip to San Juan, Walt in 1962
Lots of interesting discovery’s have been made the support or in some cases clear up myths that have existed for years.
The Ink & Paint book is a product of the Alliance, with volume 2 on the way
Pencils, Pens & Brushes was released at the D23 Expo 2019
The Hyperion Historical Alliance Press Fun and Fancy Free
The Hyperion Historical Alliance Press
The Hyperion Historical Alliance Press Released the 2019 Annual at the Expo, a way to keep up on the latest in Disney History
The Hyperion Historical Alliance Press Released the 2019 Annual at the Expo, a way to keep up on the latest in Disney History
The Hyperion Historical Alliance Press Will be releasing Disneyland 1959
D23 EXPO 2019 – The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place August 23 – 25 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (The Walt Disney Company/Image Group LA) PAULA SIGMAN-LOWERY, DIDIER GHEZ, MINDY JOHNSON
D23 EXPO 2019 – The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place August 23 – 25 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (The Walt Disney Company/Image Group LA) PAULA SIGMAN-LOWERY, DIDIER GHEZ, MINDY JOHNSON
D23 EXPO 2019 – The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place August 23 – 25 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (The Walt Disney Company/Image Group LA) PAULA SIGMAN-LOWERY, DIDIER GHEZ, MINDY JOHNSON
D23 EXPO 2019 – The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place August 23 – 25 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (The Walt Disney Company/Image Group LA) PAULA SIGMAN-LOWERY, DIDIER GHEZ, MINDY JOHNSON
D23 EXPO 2019 – The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place August 23 – 25 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (The Walt Disney Company/Image Group LA) PAULA SIGMAN-LOWERY, DIDIER GHEZ, MINDY JOHNSON
D23 EXPO 2019 – The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place August 23 – 25 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (The Walt Disney Company/Image Group LA) MINDY JOHNSON
D23 EXPO 2019 – The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place August 23 – 25 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (The Walt Disney Company/Image Group LA) PAULA SIGMAN-LOWERY, DIDIER GHEZ, MINDY JOHNSON
D23 EXPO 2019 – The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place August 23 – 25 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (The Walt Disney Company/Image Group LA) D23 EXPO 2019
D23 EXPO 2019 – The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place August 23 – 25 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (The Walt Disney Company/Image Group LA) PAULA SIGMAN-LOWERY, DIDIER GHEZ, MINDY JOHNSON
D23 EXPO 2019 – The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place August 23 – 25 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (The Walt Disney Company/Image Group LA) DIDIER GHEZ
D23 EXPO 2019 – The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place August 23 – 25 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (The Walt Disney Company/Image Group LA) PAULA SIGMAN-LOWERY
D23 EXPO 2019 – The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place August 23 – 25 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (The Walt Disney Company/Image Group LA) PAULA SIGMAN-LOWERY
