Archives Center, National Museum of American History

Guide to "Memories of the New York World's Fair"

Summary

Collection ID:
NMAH.AC.0592
Creators:
Pezzano, Frank J., 1908-1983
Dates:
1939-1940
Languages:
English
.
Physical Description:
1 Item
Repository:
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.

Scope and Contents

Scope and Contents
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.

Arrangement

Arrangement
Collection is arranged into one series.
Series 1, Memories of the Fair, 1939-1940

Biographical / Historical

Biographical / Historical
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.

Administration

Author
Wendy Shay and Catherine Keen.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Donated by John A. Pezzano, 1996
Processing Information
Processed by Wendy Shay, archivist, 2010.

Using the Collection

Preferred Citation
"Memories of the New York World's Fair" Filmed by Frank J. Pezzano, 1939-1940, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
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.
Conditions Governing Use
Collection materials available for reproduction. The Pezzano family retains interests in the film and must be contacted for permission for any third-party, commercial use. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply.
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open for research.

Related Materials
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)

Keywords

Keywords table of terms and types.
Keyword Terms Keyword Types
Motion pictures (visual works) -- 1930-1950 Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Home movies Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Exhibitions Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Queens (New York, N.Y.) Geographic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
8mm films Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
World of Tomorrow Title Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Amateur films -- 1930-1940 Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Pezzano, John A. Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
New York World's Fair (1939-1940 : New York, N.Y.) Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid

Archives Center, National Museum of American History
P.O. Box 37012
Suite 1100, MRC 601
Washington, D.C. 20013-7012
archivescenter@si.edu