National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Community Life Search this
Names:
New York World's Fair (1939-1940 : New York, N.Y.) Search this
Extent:
0.3 Cubic feet (1 box)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Maps
Articles
Postcards
Brochures
Schedules
Place:
Queens (New York, N.Y.)
Date:
1939-1940, undated
Summary:
Collection of material relating to the 1939-1940 New York World's Fair, held in Flushing Meadows in Queens, New York.
Scope and Contents:
Newspaper articles, fair schedules and maps, exhibit brochures,and pictures of the Fair grounds.
Newspaper articles, fair schedules and maps, exhibit brochures,and pictures of the Fair grounds.
Arrangement:
Collection is arranged into one series by subject or type of document.
Biographical / Historical:
The theme of this fair was "The World of Tomorrow," symbolized by the Trylon & Perisphere sculptures. It commemorated the 150th anniversary of the innauguration of George Washington as President in New York City.
The Fair was held on 1216 acres in Flushing Meadows, Queens, N.Y., divided into 7 geographic and thematic zones: Amusement, Communications & Business Systems, Community Interests, Food, Government, Medicine & Public Health, Production & Distribution, Science & Education, and Transportation.
In expanding on the theme, the Fair tried to show that what was being built then would be the World of Tomorrow. 62 foreign nations built exhibit halls. World War II began Sept. 1, 1939, as the Nazis overran countries represented at the Fair, such as France, Denmark, and Belgium.
World War II started September 1, 1939 putting a damper on the 1940 season as the Nazis overran countries which were represented at the Fair such as France, Denmark & Belgium.
Provenance:
Immediate source of aquisition unknown.
Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
