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In
2015, I was gifted a gently-used copy of the official guide to the New
York World's Fair 1964/1965. Inside this deceptively tiny book
was a treasure trove of vintage ads, colorful previews
of experiences, and the promise of a future full of "Peace Through
Understanding". I read that book from cover-to-cover as though it
were a number one best seller!
Later that year, I was given an
opportunity to visit Queens and the site of the Fair... and you had
better believe I took the book with me! While walking the grounds
of Flushing Meadows Corona Park, I opened the guidebook and used the
maps within to find my way around. The walkways which carried
millions of Guests as they moved from attraction to attraction during
the Fair carried me as I searched for the spots where "it's a
small world" and "Carousel of Progress" had made their debut. I
stood on those hallowed plots of land, reading the book's descriptions
for the pavilions and listening to the audio from those two
attractions, imagining what it would have been like to experience them
during the Fair.
That's when I realized that there had to be other
people out there who would enjoy spending "a day at the
Fair" the same way I was. I couldn't be the only person in
the world who wanted to see what remained of this short-lived fantasy
world where people were introduced to videophones, color television,
rockets which carried man into space, and "the happiest cruise that
ever sailed"...
And that's when the concept for this website started to form in my mind.
The New
York World's Fair 1964/1965 is considered, by many, to be the
"greatest" of all the World's Fairs. Not only did it thrill those who
were able to attend its two six-month seasons, but it also found
its way into modern popular culture, giving it new life and inspiring
an entirely new generation. Nostalgia for this event, which brought
the entire world to Queens, is strong for those who were able to
attend... and for those who were just born too late to experience it
for themselves.
My name is Jason "Tiki" Tackett... and I'm part of that latter group, having been born twelve years too late.
Through
travelogue-style articles, I'd like to let you explore some of the
remaining elements of the New York World's Fair along with me.
I'd also like to give you the tools you'll need to actually visit
and tour Flushing Meadows Corona Park for yourself, experiencing the
remaining attractions and learning about the long-gone exhibits as you
go. If you're unable to travel, I'd like to share information,
photos, and film clips about the pavilions and exhibits via excerpts
from books and pamphlets distributed during the Fair so you may learn
more about this celebration of "Man's Achievements on a Shrinking Globe
in an Expanding Universe"!
So if your imaginations are ready and your internet connection is strong, I'd like to invite you to go on some Adventures at the New York World's Fair with me! Here are just a few things for you to look forward to during your visit to this site...
Visit a
"click through" virtual world which will allow you explore the New York
World's Fair from the comfort of your own home!
Learn about the many pavilions, shows, attractions, and
experiences available during the Fair's two-year run in this
highly-detailed interactive online experience!
Print
off your "official" World's Fair ticket and guidemap and take a
self-guided tour the site of the 1964-65 New York World's Fair in
Flushing Meadows Corona Park! The map, paired with exclusive
web-based content you can access from your smartphone, will give you
the chance to explore the grounds and enjoy "a day at the Fair" for
yourself!
The New
York World's Fair lives on in some of its remaining attractions
throughout the world! Through 'travelogue' style articles,
photos, and videos, visit these remnants of the Fair in their current
locations!
Before you
head to the Fair, explore our list of vendors which sell World's Fair
inspired attire, trinkets, treasures, and collectibles so you can be
prepared to visit in style!
Board our
virtual 7 Train to other amazing websites about the 1964-65 New York
World's Fair!
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