History Series: 50th Anniversary of the New York World's Fair

This year is the 50th anniversary of the opening of the most important event in the history of Queens County. Remember the Unisphere, NASA’s Space Park, GM Futurama, Sinclair Dinoland, Shea Stadium, the New York State Pavilion, “It’s A Small World”, the Travelers Insurance and the IBM Pavilion, the Monorail, the Vatican exhibit, and many more... A Mighty Fair!

This fair showcased mid-20th century American culture and technology, and served as a touchstone for those Baby Boomers who visited the optimistic fair as children before the turbulent years of the Vietnam War, cultural changes, and increasing struggles for civil rights, and as the entry into the nascent Space Age. It also illustrated New York City as a zenith of economic power and world prestige during the middle of the 20th century.

Every aspect of the fair will be covered in this trip back to the future. Bring your memories, souvenirs, and insights to this once in a lifetime class!

Suggested Readings: The 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair by Bill Cotter and Bill Young; The Mighty Fair by David Oats (out of print); The End of Innocence: The 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair by Lawrence R. Samuel, and; Tomorrow-Land: The 1964-1965 World’s Fair and the Transformation of America by Joseph Tirella.

HIX-264 R / 2 sessions (4 hours) / $55 Thurs, 7:30-9:30pm, June 12 & 19
Call to register: 718-631-6343
Register online: www.qcc.cuny.edu/conted