85 and 60 years ago, New York City hosted two World’s Fairs. Running seasonally in Queens from 1939-40 and 1964-1965 respectively, the World’s Fairs attracted millions of visitors, many who arrived by mass transit. And on each occasion new subway cars were introduced brightly painted in the Fairs’ colors, to shuttle visitors directly to the festivities. By 1964, a comprehensive wayfinding system was put in place where the trains’ livery matched signage through the fairgrounds and visitors were encouraged to “Follow the Blue Arrow!”

Join transit historian Andrew Sparberg to retrace the transit journey to the World's Fairs. Stops will include Queensboro Plaza and Woodside, a joint NYC Transit and Long Island Rail Road station, as well as views from above the NYC Transit Corona Yard and Casey Stengel Bus Depot. At the end, you will have the opportunity to explore the old fairgrounds in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.

As always everyone is welcome to join. This tour provides a deep dive, thus is best suited for those who have some knowledge of New York City transit.

Tours run rain or shine. Please dress for the weather as this tour will take place both indoors and outdoors.   

Children ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Photography and video recording are permitted. However, tripods, selfie sticks, and stands may not be used. All photographs taken are for personal use only. Permission to photograph may be revoked at any time. 

Accessibility: Walking and climbing stairs required. For other accessibility questions, please email access@nytransitmuseum.org.

All ticket sales are final. Should you be unable to attend the program on the date you reserved, the full price of unused tickets may be treated as a donation to the Transit Museum and is tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. The Museum is not able to provide refunds or reschedule reservations to another date.

Questions? Email programs@nytransitmuseum.org.

Attendees assume all risks associated with their participation in a New York Transit Museum offsite tour or excursion and understand that events in public spaces, including the transit system, take place in locations under conditions largely beyond the control of Transit Museum staff.