The collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.
The Golden Gate International Exposition was planned as a celebration of completion of the Golden Gate and San Francisco-Oakland Bay bridges. Located on Treasure Island, the theme was "A Pageant of the Pacific," to highlight the cultures and countries that shared coastline across the Pacific Ocean. Around twenty-three foreign nations participated in the Exposition. Buildings and sculptures represented a range of styles from across Asia, North America, South America, and the Pacific Islands.
The Exposition commissioned hundreds of artists, engineers, craftspeople, and architects at a time when such work was difficult to come by as the Great Depression gripped the nation. It only lasted two seasons, from 1939 to 1940, as World War II was raging in Europe. After the close of the 1940 season, the Navy gained control of the site for the war effort.
Golden Gate Exposition photographs, Special Collections Research Center, William & Mary Libraries.
Thirty-six photographs pertaining to the construction and architecture of the Golden Gate International Exposition, which was held at San Francisco's Treasure Island from 1939 to 1940.
Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.