On Mickey Mouse’s 60th anniversary Disney gave a present to the U.S.
To celebrate Mickey Mouse’s 60th birthday in 1988, the Walt Disney Co.decided to give a present to the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History – some of the earliest drawings of “Steamboat Willie.”
Mickey Mouse made his debut on Nov. 18, 1928, with the first completely synchronized sound cartoon, ‘Steamboat Willie.”
Mickey Mouse earned is his place in history America’s favorite mouse, then Museum Director Roger Kennedy said, according to news reports at the time.
“These drawings represent the emergence of an American art form, initiating what we now regard as the golden age of animation,’ Charles McGovern, then- curator of the museum’s Division of Community Life said.
Here are the drawings that were presented to the Smithsonian:
