Cavalcade of Cavalcades! Performing Arts at the GGIE

A microcosm of 1930s popular culture, the Golden Gate International Exposition showcased mainstream stars, nostalgic favorites, timeless classics and exciting new ideas. The exhibit As Sounds Go By (currently on view at the Treasure Island Museum) describes the diversity of performances at the GGIE, and illustrates some of the highlights. This presentation explores the process of developing a small thematic museum exhibit, and expands on the interesting stories that accompanied it.

As during the Gold Rush and the 1915 Pan-Pacific Exposition, “the whole world came to San Francisco” for the GGIE, bringing art, music and dance from diverse cultures and traditions to a curious, receptive audience. Among the diverse programming, 21st-century visitors will recognize familiar performers and music, and perhaps even find some new favorites!

Speaker: While in the Museum Studies graduate program at SF State, Joe Angiulo developed the exhibit As Sounds Go By: Performing Arts at the GGIE 1939-40 as a curatorial internship during the summer and fall of 2021. A native San Franciscan, Joe is a product of the California public education system, from kindergarten to graduate school.