Walt Disney Animation Studios helped train troops and bring joy.
DALLAS — Before stepping inside the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, most people know what to expect.
However, the newest exhibit might catch them off guard.
“I think this will definitely surprise people,” said museum president and CEO Mary Pat Higgins.
Now through September, visitors can learn how Disney helped win the war.
Walt Disney Animation Studios had only been around about 20 years when Pearl Harbor was attacked, and the United States needed help.
“Walt Disney was very patriotic and he said absolutely,” Higgins said.
Disney created training videos, specially requested insignias for the troops, nose art for planes and a whole lot more.
“It really helped boost people’s morale and was uplifting,” Higgins said.
To help rally support from everyone else, Disney created propaganda in the form of encouraging posters and Oscar-winning films.
“Disney encouraged US citizens to help with the war effort,” Higgins said.
Disney didn’t really make any money off of any of it. It was done all in service to the war effort and it was successful.
It gave Disney a wider audience and helped make the company what it is today. More importantly, it helped America win the war.
The exhibition runs through Sept. 10. For more information, click here.