Welcome (Back) To The Fair!
Welcome to the home of "After The Fair: The Legacy of the 1964-65 NY World's Fair!" As we did in the movie, we use our website to explore both the fair itself, as well as the impact of the fair on the future. The 1964-65 New York World's Fair had wide-ranging influence on future technology, cultural understanding, transportation, and city planning.
In our documentary, we connect the dots between technology seen at the fair, like Bell Telephone's PicturePhone, and Skype and other video chat services widely used today. We also examine the fair's role in familiarizing millions of people with computers. Prior to the fair, most people saw computers as room-filling, complex machines, At the fair, visitors could use a computer to retrieve a headline for a particular date from the New York Times, or find just the right recipe at the NCR pavilion.
It wasn't all about technology though. The fair was a showcase of culture and ideals from every corner of the earth. Americans, especially those from outside of New York City, were exposed to new cuisine and traditions. Remember, prior to the fair, it could be hard to find even a Chinese restaurant in all but the most urban areas of the country!
So please join us, as we head back to 1964, to see a snapshot in time; of the U.S. at its very best, and the world coming together, if only for two summers. For those who went to the fair, it will be like visiting an old friend. For those too young to have attended, it is a fascinating look at a milestone event in our history, that touches our lives today.
Ryan Ritchey