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New York World's Fair 1939-1940 records, 1935-1945, bulk (1939-1940).

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Creator

New York World's Fair 1939 and 1940 Incorporated.

Location

Manuscripts and Archives Division

Extent

  • 1184 linear feet (2508 boxes, 42 volumes; 18 tubes; 10 sound recordings).

Access Restrictions

Advance notice required. Apply at http://www.nypl.org/mssref

Scope/Contents Note

The records of the New York World's Fair 1939 and 1940 Incorporated present a comprehensive view of all aspects of the Fair including construction, maintenance and demolition of Fair facilities; planning and development; architecture and landscaping; displays and exhibits; government participation; publicity and public relations; amusements, entertainment and concessions; legal and financial affairs; the import and export of goods; labor relations; and public safety and welfare. In addition to correspondence and memoranda, the collection consists of reports, minutes, financial and legal records, architectural plans, design drawings, sound recordings, brochures, leaflets, press releases and other promotional materials, notably over 12,000 photographs of the Fair, its exhibits and visitors.

Biographical/Historical Note

The New York World's Fair of 1939 and 1940, was held in Flushing Meadows in the Borough of Queens. The non-profit Fair corporation was formed in 1935 under the guidance of business and civic leaders, and financed through federal, state, municipal and private funds. The Fair commemorated the 150th anniversary of Washington's inauguration in New York City and took “Building the World of Tomorrow” as its central theme. Participants included close to 60 nations, 33 states and U.S. territories, and over a thousand exhibitors, among them some of the largest corporations in the United States.

Controlled Access Terms

  • New York World's Fair 1939 and 1940 Incorporated.
  • New York World's Fair (1939-1940).
  • Exhibitions -- New York (State) -- New York.
  • Fairs -- New York (State) -- New York.
  • Popular culture -- United States.
  • Technology -- Social aspects -- United States.
  • Flushing Meadows-Corona Park (New York, N.Y.)
  • Queens (New York, N.Y.) -- History.
  • Architectural drawings (visual works).
  • Artifacts.
  • Ephemera.
  • Photographs.
  • Posters.
  • Sound recordings.

Additional Creator Names

  • Buck, Frank, 1884-1950.
  • Dreyfuss, Henry, 1904-
  • Flanigan, Howard A. (Howard Adams), 1889-1967.
  • Geddes, Norman Bel, 1893-1958.
  • Kohn, Robert D., 1870-1953.
  • La Guardia, Fiorello H. (Fiorello Henry), 1882-1947.
  • McAneny, George, 1869-1953.
  • Monaghan, Frank, 1904-1969.
  • Moses, Robert, 1888-1981.
  • Rose, Billy, 1899-1966.
  • Teague, Walter Dorwin, 1883-1960.
  • Whalen, Grover A. (Grover Aloysius), 1886-1962.
  • New York World's Fair (1939-1940).

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