Ben Sharpsteen

Benjamin Sharpsteen (November 4, 1895 – December 20, 1980) was an American film director and producer, most renowned for his association with Disney. His career spanned an incredible six decades, from 1920 to 1980, within which, he directed over 31 films, cementing his status as an influential figure in the film industry. Beyond his film involvements, Sharpsteen created a museum to document the life and work of California's first millionaire, Sam Brannan, as well as the broader history of the Upper Napa Valley. This museum, located in Calistoga, California, also contains an extensive curation of Sharpsteen's life and work, revealing his contributions beyond the sphere of cinema. Sharpsteen's impact remains significant, with his contribution to film resonating within the industry, long after his death in Napa County, California in 1980. His rich legacy in film and his involvement in preserving regional history make him a multifaceted figure, as much a chronicler of stories as a storied personality himself.