The Golden Gate International Exposition of 1939-1940 was San Francisco’s last great public celebration prior to America’s entry into World War II. The theme of this “Pageant of the Pacific” was “Pacific Unity.” How did the deepening international crisis affect the fair, particularly America’s ongoing race with Japan to conquer the Pacific? Did Treasure Island itself play a part in this race? This presentation will focus on Treasure Island in its historical context, but also explore the fun and beauty of the fair, particularly its “Pacific” theme.

Anne Schnoebelen is a writer, speaker, and noted preservationist. She is on the board of directors of the Treasure Island Museum and its program chair. She has a master’s degree in English from Brown University.