The Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum is hosting an event with Disney Legend Martha Blanding and Disney historian Tim O’Day to speak about their book Groundbreaking Magic: A Black Woman’s Journey Through The Happiest Place on Earth. Along with speaking about the book, there will be a book signing. The event will be on March 31st at 7:00 PM. Admission is free with registration on the Nixon Library Website.
Here is the official information about this event:
Groundbreaking Magic: A Black Woman’s Journey Through The Happiest Place on Earth
Monday, March 31, 2025
7:00 PM
Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum
FREE EVENT ADMISSION
Talk and Book Signing
Join us for an inspiring evening with Martha Blanding, a trailblazer who made history as Disneyland’s first Black tour guide and built a 50-year career at The Walt Disney Company.
From breaking barriers in the racially charged ’70s to leading major Disney events, Martha B’s story is one of resilience, change, and magic.
She’ll be joined in conversation by co-author Tim O’Day, Disney historian and co-author of the bestseller A Portrait of Walt Disney World: 50 Years of The Most Magical Place on Earth.
Part memoir, part cultural history, Groundbreaking Magic offers a unique look at Disneyland’s evolution through Martha’s eyes—filled with triumphs, challenges, and a deep-rooted love of family.
Copies of Groundbreaking Magic will be available for purchase following the conversation.
Martha Blanding was honored as a Disney Legend during the 2024 D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. She worked at Disneyland for 50 years. She came to The Happiest Place on Earth! after being told by a high school guidance counselor that she should learn to work with her hands because she’d never make it in corporate America. However, as she said in her acceptance speech at D23, her mother told her, “Never to let other people determine your future.”
Martha spent her career leading and inspiring people. She continues to do so in retirement and with this book. This book and event are a must for Disney fans, particularly Disneyland fans. Don’t miss it!
What do you think of this event? Will you be attending it? Have you read Groundbreaking Magic yet? What did you think? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.
