Just as the 1962 World’s Fair set the tone for Seattle’s development into a global leader in technology, trade and innovation, we will invite the community to generate a new vision for Seattle’s evolution as a global civic innovator. A set of programs, activities, and tools will be designed for the people of the Pacific Northwest to practice civic engagement in relevant, memorable, creative, playful, and ongoing ways. Our aim is create a living legacy of spirited citizenship and to set in motion initiatives that will extend to the next fifty years. Our work is informed by the unique civic assets and the networked, ecosystemic mindset that this city already begins with. We commit to bringing in voices, leaders, and networks that are not yet woven into Seattle’s civic life. The civic health of this place will be measurably improved as a result of our work.
Rich natural resources and the Klondike Gold Rush buoyed Seattle’s early economy. Boeing made it a center of aerospace and a strong port forged Pacific Rim trading relationships. The city now embraces the knowledge-based economy. Entrepreneurship has produced homegrown corporate icons alongside industry-leading smaller companies. Beyond airplanes, software and coffee, the celebration will showcase the strong undercurrent of exciting business activity that’s helping to build the next new economy.
The centerpiece of KCTS 9’s INVENTING THE FUTURE, a multiplatform World’s Fair initiative, is a one-hour documentary by filmmaker John Gordon Hill. When Seattle Invented the Future: the 1962 World’s Fair tells the story of how World’s Fair planners first conceived the Century 21 Exposition as a promotional stunt to put Seattle on the map. Instead, they were swept up in a national initiative to strengthen science education and wound up shaping the future of a city. The documentary will premiere on KCTS 9 in February 2012, with multiple airings in the Seattle market over several months. The documentary will also be distributed to public television stations around the nation.
The Museum of History & Industry and Seattle Center Foundation are working together to create an onsite exhibit featuring artifacts and memorabilia from the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair as well as hosting a traveling exhibit on the history of all world’s fairs.
The greater Seattle region is a world leader for global health innovation and education. Collaboration is key to creating life-saving solutions. Global Health Nexus, an initiative of the Washington Global Health Alliance, is a community effort to inspire involvement while increasing public awareness about diseases and health issues that affect vulnerable populations here and abroad.
Seattle has become a bastion for science research and a hub for technology. Since the 1962 Fair, Microsoft has transformed the way we live and work, Amazon.com has expanded the way we shop, the Seattle Aquarium has become a leader in marine conservation and education – and much more. The celebration will be a unique opportunity for people to see the breadth and depth of technological innovation here and a chance to explore what can happen in the next half century. One of the highlights of Science and Technology month will be a major Science Festival organized by Pacific Science Center.
Seattle Center Foundation has partnered with Living Social to offer a special World’s Fair Anniversary Package Deal of the Day on April 21st. For only $60, five hundred lucky people will receive a set of collectible 50th anniversary glasses, a $25 voucher at Sky City Restaurant at the Space Needle, four Exhibit Passes to Pacific Science Center and four Round Trip Seattle Center Monorail tickets.
More at: http://www.livingsocial.com
As we gear up for the 50th anniversary of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, Seattle Center Foundation is seeking volunteers to support the many exciting initiatives planned for the coming year. The generous gift of time from people like you helps Seattle Center thrive. Get engaged today!
Download the volunteer form (pdf) or contact Cathy Sander at 206.684.0299.
Seattle Center Foundation seeks highly motivated individuals to take on a variety of projects. Projects may include events, office tasks, social media, research and others determined by the skills and interests of each individual volunteer.
Ever wanted to be right at the heart of the action while still doing something important to build stronger communities?
