Memories of the New York World's Fair
name: label: Creator
content: Pezzano, Frank J., 1908-1983
label: Names
content: New York World's Fair (1939-1940 : New York, N.Y.)
label: Donor
content: Pezzano, John A.
place: label: Place
content: Queens (New York, N.Y.)
title: label: Topic
content: World of Tomorrow
topic: label: Topic
content: Exhibitions
label: Topic
content: Amateur films -- 1930-1940
acqinfo: label: Provenance
content: Donated by John A. Pezzano, 1996
creator: label: Creator
content: Pezzano, Frank J., 1908-1983
setName: label: See more items in
content: Memories of the New York World's Fair
abstract: label: Summary
content: The film, titled "Memories of the New York World's Fair" by filmmaker Frank J. Pezzano documents the 1939-1940 New York World's Fair. Pezzano edited the film and included hand-drawn and typed intertitles identifying the various locations and activities he filmed.
bioghist: label: Biographical / Historical
content: The film, titled "Memories of the New York World's Fair" by filmmaker Frank J. Pezzano, documents the 1939-1940 New York World's Fair. Pezzano edited the film and included hand-drawn and typed intertitles identifying the various locations and activities he filmed.

The theme of this fair was "The World of Tomorrow," symbolized by the Trylon and Perisphere sculptures. It commemorated the 150th anniversary of the inauguration of George Washington as President in New York City. The Fair was held on 1216 acres in Flushing Meadows, Queens, New York, and was divided into seven geographic and thematic zones: Amusement, Communications and Business Systems, Community Interests, Food, Government, Medicine and Public Health, Production and Distribution, Science and 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." Sixty-two nations built exhibit halls. World War Two began September 1, 1939, as the Nazis overran countries represented at the Fair, such as France, Denmark, and Belgium.

His family believes Mr. Pezanno attended the fair alone as indicated by the fact that no family members are depicted in the film. Pezzano's film presents a comprehensive tour of the exterior elements of the fair and includes footage of many of the iconic corporate, state, and national pavillions as well as the images of the fair at night. Pezzano also filmed special attractions such as "Frank Buck's Bring 'Em Back Alive," the parachute ride, and an ice show.
physdesc: label: Extent
content: 1 Item
phystech: label: Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
content: No reference copy exists. Special arrangements must be made with the Archives Center to view the original 8mm color camera original reversal film over a light table.
unitdate: label: Date
content: 1939-1940
dataSource: label: Archival Repository
content: Archives Center, National Museum of American History
identifier: label: Identifier
content: NMAH.AC.0592
objectType: label: Type
content: Collection descriptions
label: Type
content: Archival materials
label: Type
content: Motion pictures (visual works)
label: Type
content: Home movies
label: Type
content: 8mm films
arrangement: label: Arrangement
content: Collection is arranged into one series.

Series 1, Memories of the Fair, 1939-1940
processinfo: label: Processing Information
content: Processed by Wendy Shay, archivist, 2010.
genre_format: label: Genre/Form
content: Motion pictures (visual works) -- 1930-1950
label: Genre/Form
content: Home movies
label: Genre/Form
content: 8mm films
scopecontent: label: Scope and Contents
content: Collection consists of one compilation reel created by the Archives Center of 8mm color amateur motion picture film of the 1939-1940 New York World's Fair. When originally acquired, the collection comprised two reels of 8mm color camera reversal motion picture film. Archives Center staff created a single compilation reel for long-term storage and handling.
relatedmaterial: label: Related Materials
content: Materials in the Archives Center:

Sam DeVincent Collection of Illustrated American Sheet Music, 1790-1980s (AC 0300)

Warshaw Collection of Business Americana, circa 1724-1977 (AC 0060)

Larry Zim World's Fair Collection, 1841-1988 (AC 0519)

Edward J. Orth Memorial Archives of the World's Fair, 1939-1940 (AC 0560)