In the spirit of the stereograph and stereopticon photography exhibits of yesteryear, The New York Power has sponsored the creation of a 30-minute multimedia 3-D slide presentation on the Pan-American Exposition of 1901.

The stereo program, produced by Paul J. Pasquarello, scripted by Francis R. Kowsky and narrated by John I. Zach, is shown daily in the newly renovated auditorium of the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society during its Spirit of the City exhibition, to commemorate the centennial of the historic exposition.

To realize the project, more then 100 original stereopticon cards from the 1901 exposition were borrowed from private and public collections all over the country. Each card shows two identical photographs taken at slightly different angles, allowing the viewer to see the image in a way similar to the way one’s eyes independently process an object or scene. When the photos are viewed simultaneously, a three-dimensional effect is achieved.

In order to maximize the quality of the images, the original cards were digitally scanned at a very high resolution, enhanced, and transferred to medium-format slide film. All photos are projected by two pairs of medium-format projectors onto a special silver surfaced, 12-foot screen, viewed three-dimensionally with the help of polarized glasses, and accompanied by period music and sounds. Anne M. Dykstra executed the digital conversion and film output, and John P. Weiksnar orchestrated the digital production and editing.

The presentation is divided into three parts. The first segment examines why Buffalo was chosen as host for this world fair. The second segment focuses on the importance of the newfound marvel of electricity. The presentation concludes with a grand tour of the “Electric City”, both under the light of day and under the electric lights powered by the mighty Niagara River.

The New York Power Authority and the individuals who gave generously of their talent and expertise to make this project a reality, are happy to offer it as a gift to the people of Western New York and visitors.

For more information, contact Paul Pasquarello at 716-286-6621