Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
1939 New York World's Fair Polish Participation Medal
Artifact IDMO 1945.32.42
Object Type
Medal, Commemorative
Artist
Julio Kilenyi
(Hungarian-born American sculptor, 1885 - 1959)
Maker
The Robbins Company
(American jewelry, badge, and medal manufacturer, 1892 - 2007)
Date1940
Mediummetal (gold ?)
Dimensionsoverall D 1/4 in x Diam 3 in (0.6 cm x 7.6 cm )
Physical DescriptionA round, gold medal commemorating Poland's participation in the 1939 New York World's Fair.
OBVERSE: A left-facing head and shoulders relief profile of Ignace Paderewski with his name arched across the top of the medal: "PADEREWSKI." The artist’s name is in the lower right: "KILENYI."
REVERSE: A relief depiction of the Polish Pavilion's tower at the 1939 New York World’s Fair, flanked by two trees. The tower is fronted by a statue of King Władysław II Jagiełło of Poland (ruled 1386–1434) astride a horse. The pedestal of the statue is marked “POLAND.” Personalized engraved text on either side of the tower reads: “TO FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT / PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.” Relief text below the scene reads: "REPUBLIC OF POLAND EXHIBITION / NEW YORK WORLD'S FAIR / 1940.”
There is no manufacturer’s mark on the medal.
Historical NoteThe 1939 New York World's Fair, located in Flushing Meadows, New York, opened on April 30, 1939 and closed on October 27, 1940. President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave the opening speech in person which was televised throughout the Fair. His address was the first time that a president appeared on television.OBVERSE: A left-facing head and shoulders relief profile of Ignace Paderewski with his name arched across the top of the medal: "PADEREWSKI." The artist’s name is in the lower right: "KILENYI."
REVERSE: A relief depiction of the Polish Pavilion's tower at the 1939 New York World’s Fair, flanked by two trees. The tower is fronted by a statue of King Władysław II Jagiełło of Poland (ruled 1386–1434) astride a horse. The pedestal of the statue is marked “POLAND.” Personalized engraved text on either side of the tower reads: “TO FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT / PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.” Relief text below the scene reads: "REPUBLIC OF POLAND EXHIBITION / NEW YORK WORLD'S FAIR / 1940.”
There is no manufacturer’s mark on the medal.
This medal, in addition to commemorating Poland's participation in the New York World's Fair, honors Ignacy Jan Paderewski (1860-1941), a Polish pianist, composer and statesman who also served as the prime minister and minister of foreign affairs of Poland in 1919. The medal was presented to President Franklin D. Roosevelt on May 25, 1944 by the Honorable Stephen de Ropp, Commissioner General and Polish Representative of the New York World's Fair.Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDeposited at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Franklin D. Roosevelt on November 22, 1944. It was donated as a bequest of FDR to the Library in 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGift Items and Commemorative Artifacts (National Archives Identifier 782690)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - PossiblyCopyrightCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.In Collection(s)
Not on view
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