Michael Broggie

Michael Broggie (born June 19, 1942) is an American author and historian who specializes in the history of Walt Disney and The Walt Disney Company—specifically Disney's connection to railroads. He is the son of Roger E. Broggie, who was selected by Walt Disney to be the first Imagineer.

Early life and education Broggie was born in Los Angeles, California on June 19, 1942 and grew up between Lake Arrowhead and the San Fernando Valley. His father was Roger E. Broggie, an engineer, machinist, and head of Walt Disney Studio machine shop.

As a small child, Broggie spent many Sundays in the backyard of Walt Disney's home in the Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles. He helped Walt and his father operate the 1/8-scale Carolwood Pacific Railroad—the model railroad layout which his father helped build. On June 18, 1955, about a month before the opening of Disneyland Park, 12-year-old Broggie assisted Walt Disney and his father with the steam up of the E.P. Ripley—one of the locomotives of the Disneyland Railroad.

Broggie earned an MBA and a doctorate in marketing (summa cum laude) at Pacific University, San Diego; a BA in communications from California State University, Northridge; and an AA in Journalism (with honors) from Los Angeles Valley College.

On behalf of the model railroad industry, Broggie appeared in 30 cities as the featured presenter of “Walt Disney's Railroad Story” on a national tour titled “World's Greatest Hobby.”

Broggie is also a veteran of the United States Air Force, where he served as a medic and pharmacy specialist in the Aerospace Medical Command.

In addition to his books, Broggie has authored and edited numerous articles for regional and national publications, and is currently doing research for his autobiography. Broggie is also the author of the official souvenir guide to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, California.

Personal life

Broggie supports a variety of charitable and non-profit causes in Arizona. Broggie is a member of the Westlake Yacht Club, he was founder and initial CEO of The Nautical Foundation, a non-profit corporation that raises funds to promote the values and opportunities of youth and competitive sailing. He is also co-founder and past president of the Prescott Police Foundation. He and Sharon served eight years as volunteers in the Prescott Police Department's unit of Citizens on Patrol (COP). He was appointed to three terms on the appeals board of the Prescott Fire Department, the last term as chairman ended in 2020. Broggie was appointed as a board member of the City of Prescott Charter Review Committee by Mayor Cathey Rusing in 2026.

Published works

As author

Walt Disney's Railroad Story Walt Disney's Happy Place Walt Disney's Words of Wisdom The History of Irwindale: Jardin de Roca (Garden of Rocks) Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Souvenir Book

As co-author Air Force One: The Final Mission

As contributor Poor Charlie's Almanack: The Wit and Wisdom of Charles T. Munger