Portals of Discovery

A statue of George Washington is silhouetted against the 1939 World’s Fair’s “Perisphere” sculpture.

Since the opening of the 1939 World’s Fair on April 30, 1939, coincided with the 150th anniversary of George Washington’s inauguration as the first President of the United States, the commemoration of this anniversary was major theme in the opening ceremonies.  

The Cunard Lines' poster for the New York World's Fair, 1939. Artist unknown.

Photo: Zazzle

One of the many lagoons at the World's Fair, July 7, 1939. The famous statue of George Washington is subtly silhouetted against the lighted globe-Perisphere. Left background is the Trylon.

Photo: Associated Press