The First Family of Fireworks

….”The First Family of Fireworks”
Antonio Zambelli – Founder of Zambelli FIreworks
Antonio Zambelli
brought his pyrotechnic
dream to America from
Italy in 1893
Photo from approximately 1920. Standing
left to right: Annabelle, Joe, Connie,
Antonio, Maria. In front: George, Louis,
Carmen, and Rita. Louis and Rita are
twins.
Marie and Antonio
Antonio’s Little Black Book
Traditional Fireworks Doll Dance
Photo is of famous Italian traditional fireworks doll dance
In the early 1900’s, fireworks were often used for religious holidays and
Italian celebrations. Antonio’s eldest son Joe’s favorite display was the
City of Chicago’s Italian Day Celebration in the 1940’s.
Zambelli Men
Antonio and his four sons (from left to right): George, Carmen, Antonio,
Joe, and Louis.
Joe Zambelli
Antonio’s eldest son Joe Zambelli had a strong interest in the industry and
started handcrafting fireworks when he was 12 or 13 years old.
Here Joe, a cavalier master shell builder, is finishing a famous Zambelli crossette multi-break shell.
New York Harbor
Zambelli traditional multi-break shells fill New York skyline
Zambelli Corporate Headquarters
Original lobby of New Penn Hotel in the 1940’s.
Zambelli Fireworks moved into this building, originally
New Penn Hotel, in the early 1950’s. The hotel was
converted to Z Penn Center remains as corporate
headquarters today.
George Zambelli Sr.
George Zambelli Sr. attended
Duquesne University and joined
his family upon graduation. With
his business and educational
experience, he developed an
infrastructure with a number of
family and young non-family
members (some who would
remain with the company for 40+
years).
With the support of his wife
Constance, matriarch of the
family, George Sr. became an icon
in the pyrotechnic industry and
the envy of his competitors,
increasing the number of displays
from 8 the week of the 4th of July
to over 800 that week at the turn
of the century and over 2200
displays per year.
George reviews annual Washington Mall display with National
Park Service.
President Kennedy enjoys Zambelli Fireworks from White House balcony
Zambelli has produced fireworks for every president since and including
President Kennedy, earning Zambelli the title “Zambelli, The First Family of
Fireworks.”
President Kennedy on the White House balcony overlooking the South Lawn,
watching a Zambelli Fireworks display in honor of the King of Afghanistan in
September 1963
Canonization of Mother Seton
Canonization of Mother Elizabeth Ann
Seton, the first American-born saint
and for whom Seton Hall University
was named. 9/14/75
Fireworks breaking behind statue of Mother Seton at Seton University
to celebrate canonization
Zambelli Fireworks Highlighted Fort McHenry’s Dawn’s Early Light
Program
In 1960, with the addition of Alaska
and Hawaii to the Union, President
Eisenhower ordered a new design and
arrangement of the stars in the Union.
On July 4, 1960, the 50 star flag was
raised over the Fort McHenry National
Monument in Baltimore Maryland.
During the 1960’s, Zambelli Fireworks
was proud to be a part of the “Dawn’s
Early Light” program commemorating
the 1st shot toward Fort McHenry
which was fired on September 13th at
6:00PM.
This 5700 square foot Visitors Center was built at Fort
McHenry in 1964.
Kennedy Cultural Center Gala Fireworks
Kennedy Cultural Center, Washington DC
The Kennedy Cultural Center in Washington DC is a national living memorial to JFK and national center for
performing arts opened in September 1971. Zambelli Fireworks was proud to exhibit displays for the gala
events.
Zambelli Fireworks Honor America Day 1970 Fireworks Spectacular
Hosted by Bob Hope
Honor America Day in 1970, which was
produced by Bob Jani, Senior Vice
President of Disney. The evening
belonged to Bob Hope, his one-liners
and his entertainers, including Jack
Benny, Red Skelton, Dinah Shore, and
Glen Campbell, and culminated with
Zambelli Fireworks
Zambelli’s designer multi-break shells highlight the
Honor America Day festivities
Bob Hope entertains Honor America Day
attendees
Washington Mall 4th of July Celebrations
Zambelli Fireworks was proud to
display their pyrotechnics along
side the Washington Monument
for decades.
Lou and Joe Zambelli prepare special crosette and finale
shells for Washington Monument show in the late 1950’s
Washington Monument, Zambelli Fireworks Spectacular
Philadelphia Veterans Stadium
Criss-crossing comets project from atop Veterans Stadium
Valley Forge July 3, 1976 Zambelli Fireworks Spectacular
Monte Carlo
Joe and Louie with special Zambelli multi-break shells.
Philadelphia Bicentennial Celebration
George Zambelli and his brother Louis review aerial
shells for Philadelphia Bicentennial Spectacular.
Zambelli Fireworks illuminate sky behind Independence
Hall.
In addition to the 100’s of Bicentennial displays that Zambelli Fireworks produced, Philadelphia was the
most elaborate in the United States, exhibited simultaneously from 7 downtown locations including the
historic Philadelphia Art Museum, Penn’s Landing, Independence Mall, and several rooftops.
President Johnson’s White House State Dinner
Zambelli fireworks exhibited from South Lawn during President Johnson’s State Dinner.
President Carter Inaugural
Text
Zambelli fireworks exhibited from the Washington Mall
Zambelli Fireworks exhibited from South Lawn of White House
Zambelli family visits with President Jimmy Carter following the display.
Zambelli Fireworks exhibited pyrotechnics from the South Lawn of the White House in December 1980. The
display was synchronized to music performed by the Marine Band conducted by Andre Kostelanetz. The show
culminated with a spectacular finale choreographed to the 1812 Overture.
Zambelli Expands to California
Rose Bowl Pyro-Musical Spectacular
Salute to Belgium
Zambelli Fireworks, was proud to exhibit fireworks on the occasion of the arrival of the arrival in the United States
of Their Majesties King Baudouini and Queen Fabiola of the Belgians and the official opening of Belgium Today, an
American commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Belgian independence on April 20, 1980.
Statue of Liberty Renovation Celebration
Statue of Liberty Renovation Celebration July 4, 1986
Detroit’s Independence Celebration
Zambelli has been hosting Detroit’s
Annual Freedom Festival for over 2
decades. The 2013 display will mark
their 25th appearance.
Detroit’s Independence display is one
of America’s largest.
24” shell in the Detroit Annual Freedom Festival show
Historic 24” shell is carefully loaded
into a giant mortar
Target’s “2012” Detroit Independence Celebration Pyrotechnics
Zambelli Fireworks choreographed to music launched from 3 super barges on the river in
Detroit.
Zambelli’s Signature Thunder Over Louisville
Now in its 23rd year, Thunder Over
Louisville is the grand-daddy of
pyrotechnic displays. Created as the
opening ceremonies of the Kentucky
Derby Festival, it is the largest annual
fireworks display in America thanks to the
artistry of Zambelli Internationale.
The physical set-up includes 250 tons of
launching tubes, some as high as 10 feet
with a diameter of 12 inches. Two million
pounds of sand pack the firing tubes on
1800 feet of barges. Almost 700 miles of
wire cable connect 20 firing computers to
the command post for synchronization to
music.
The annual display is choreographed by
Michael Richards, George Sr.’s son-in-law.
The special themes give each Thunder a
unique flavor. Since the beginning, all
shows have included a special salute to
America. One year, a prelude salute to
Connie and George Zambelli to
commemorate their 50th wedding
anniversary.
Zambelli’s Signature Thunder Over Louisville
Michael Richards working on Thunder
Over Louisville
Michael Richards on-site on the bridge in Louisville
overlooking the set-up.
Niagara Falls and bridge effects
Barge set-up
Zambelli’s Signature Thunder Over Louisville
Zambelli’s Signature Thunder Over Louisville
National Boy Scout Jamborees
Zambelli Fireworks has exhibited pyrotechnics for regional and national Boy Scout Jamborees for
decades at Fort AP Hill, Virginia.
National Boy Scout Jamboree 1985 –
George Sr. was the Jamboree Arena
Shows Chairman.
Stationary Boy Scout Emblems in Pyrotechnic Lights
President Reagan Inaugural
2013 National Boy Scout Jamboree
Zambelli Fireworks was proud to have been selected to display fireworks at this year’s National Jamboree on July 20, 2013 at
their new facility, The Summit, in Mt. Hope, West Virginia.
In addition to the fireworks extravaganza, which was fired from up to 7 locations, Zambelli trained the Boy Scouts on how to
produce and choreograph a fireworks display through lectures, demonstrations, demo shells, and computer simulations.
White House Display from North Lawn
George Sr. explains fireworks set-up to White House ushers Rex Scouten and Gary Walters.
White House Congressional Picnic 1990
1992 Visit to Taiwan and Peoples Republic of China
Toured China’s fireworks factories to
incorporate Zambelli manufacturing
technology, safety, and quality control.
George Jr., George Sr., and Howard Simmons visit a Chinese
government fireworks facility
Dr. George Zambelli Jr. builds a 12” chrysanthemum shell
George Sr. discusses pioneering bar codes on pyrotechnic articles
with world renowned Japanese firework maker Mr. Oh at one of his
Taiwan facilities
1992 Visit to Taiwan and Peoples Republic of China
George Sr. and George Jr. visit one of Jim Shih’s
Sunny Fireworks facilities.
Howard Simmons demonstrates how Zambelli Fireworks
produces quality controlled finale chains
George Zambelli Sr. critiques Sunny-manufactured
shells that he designed
1991 National Victory Celebration
Gulf War Victory Celebration, Mall (Washington Monument) 1991
George Zambelli III with
General Norman Schwarzkopf
1991 National Victory Day Celebration
National Victory Day Parade
George Zambelli III atop Army amphibious vehicle.
President George Bush watching national Victory
Day Parade
4th of July Celebration at Presidential Compound in Kennebunkport
George Jr. and George Sr. with President
and Mrs. Bush at their Kennebunkport
compound prior to Independence
Fireworks. The fireworks were exhibited
from the compound.
Tall Ship Eagle Independence Celebration at Kennebunkport
Tall Ship Eagle
Zambelli family with President George H.W. Bush
aboard the Tall Ship Eagle
Saudia Arabia’s Yesterday and Today US Tour 1989
George and Connie Zambelli with Saudi Arabian Prince Bin
sultan Bin Abdulaziz before a fireworks exposition.
Zambelli toured the US exhibiting fireworks for the Saudia Arabia Yesterday and Today program. The tour
developed an effective style of outdoor show staging and productions that forged a renewed interest in
laser shows in theme parks such as seen in Hershey park’s Night Light Laser Show.
Zambelli Fireworks is also proud to produce the Hershey Parks fireworks laser displays.
President Clinton’s Visit to Pittsburgh
President Clinton with Prime Minister John Major during
their visit to Pittsburgh on November 12, 1992
Walt Disney’s 1994 Premiere of Angels in the Outfield
George Zambelli Sr. with Michael Eisner, chairman and CEO of Disney, at the premiere of Angels in
the Outfield
Premiere of Disney’s Pocahantas in Central Park
Pocahantas premiere in Central Park on June 10, 1995. Specially constructed 8 story high screens visible above the
trees. In true Disney fashion, a spectacular live show and sensational fireworks by Zambelli. It was the largest film
premiere in history.
Papal Visit to Baltimore
George Sr. with Pope John Paul II prior to the display.
Zambelli Fireworks performed a display for the Pope John Paul
II’s visit to Baltimore in October 1995.
Papal Visit to St. Louis on June 27, 1999
Pope John Paul II’s visit to St. Louis. George Sr. and Connie had
special audience with the Pope.
George and Louis Zambelli inspect special Zambelli
XXX in preparation for Papal fireworks display.
Premiere of Disney’s Hercules
Zambelli Fireworks highlighted the Premiere of Disney’s
Hercules on June 14, 1997 in New York City
Pittsburgh Pirates Skyblast
Fireworks explode outside PNC Park.
Skyblast fireworks illuminate Bill Mazeroski
statue.
Zambelli Fireworks has been host to Pittsburgh Pirates fireworks for over 4
decades at Forbes Field, Three Rivers Stadiu, and PNC Park.
Mt. Rushmore Independence Celebration
Hagley Museum
Pyro illuminated carousel with animated horses
Mark Spielvogel, pyrotechnic graphic designer, creates theatrical and animated sets as illustrated in these design illustrations
for Hagley Museum.
Hagley Museum…Where the du Pont Story Begins
Las Vegas Millennium Display
Over 150 Millenium shows including the famed New Year’s Eve show in
Las Vegas launched from 13 locations
Boy Scout Silver
Buffalo Award
In 2003, George Sr. received the Silver Buffalo Award for distinguished service to youth and is awarded to those who give
noteworthy and extraordinary service to youth. Also receiving Silver Buffalo Awards were H. Ross Perot and Yogi Berra.
White House State Dinner Fireworks
Zambelii family photographed with President George W. Bush and Barney.
Zambelli family visits with President George W. Bush at White house after State Dinner for
President Fox of Mexico in September 2001. The Presidents and their wives viewed the
fireworks from the White House South Portico.
Yale University’s 300th Anniversary
2001 – 300th anniversary of Yale University
George “Boom Boom” Zambelli
Fireworks Icon
George Zambelli’s
pyrotechnic magic
Author Hunter Thompson’s Memorial Service
Author Hunter Thompson’s ashes were put in shells and fired in the air at his memorial
service on August 20, 2005.
Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
Times Square Ball Drop on New Year’s Eve
Philadelphia Art Museum July 4th Celebration
Louis, George Jr., and Jared Zambelli load multi-colored grand finale shells.
Three generations of Zambelli’s produce
Philadelphia’s July 4th Celebration at
historic Philadelphia Art Museum.
Children’s Book
Pittsburgh 250
Imagine Pittsburgh Fireworks Spectacular
One of the largest displays ever launched in the country with a U.S. record 17
launch positions.
Almost 40,000 pyrotechnic effects filled the Pittsburgh sky in addition to a 500-feet
of a white waterfall cascaded off the West End Bridge. October 4, 2008
Mythbusters
They Mythbusters came to the Zambelli facility in their quest to prove whether an ancient Korean Hawacha could do what it claimed.
The episode aired on October 22, 2008.
Larry the Cable Guy’s visit to fireworks facility
History Channel’s “Only in America”
Larry the Cable Guy’s visit to fireworks facility
History Channel’s “Only in America”
Larry the Cable Guy’s visit to fireworks facility
History Channel’s “Only in America”
Lou Zambelli preparing shells for Pittsburgh 250
Lou Zambelli, George Sr.’s youngest
brother who is now 87 years old, still
works 7 days a week at the plant
manufacturing custom specialty shells
Oman
Zambelli Fireworks celebrated
Oman’s 40th National Day for
His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin
Sain on November 9, 2010.
Peoples Gas Light the River Spectacular – September 2011
The combination of flame work and Zambelli Fireworks made the show one of a kind. Isopar flame canons
propelled propane flames as large as 60 feel high and 8 feet in diameter. The Firewater system shot
rotating narrow flames 10 to 20 feet long creating effects replicating the water fountain at the Bellagio
Hotel in Las Vegas.
Chesapeake Jubilee 2013
Chesapeake Jubilee 2013
Michael Richards, Buddy Bagley, and Dr.
George Zambelli Jr.
Giant American flag flying over the
Chesapeake Jubilee
Dr. George Zambelli Jr. and Buddy Bagley discuss the
fireworks display
Chesapeake Jubilee 2013
Buddy Bagley and Dr.George Zambelli Jr.
Dr. George Zambelli Jr. and Buddy Bagley
give a root beer toast to that evening’s
display
Buddy Bagley, fireworks chairman of he Jubilee
for the 30th year, in front of Bagley Stage
West Virginia’s 150th Birthday Celebration
June 20-23, 2013
West Virginia’s 150th Birthday Celebration
June 20-23, 2013
West Virginia’s 150th Birthday Celebration
June 20-23, 2013
2013 National Boy Scout Jamboree
2013 National Boy Scout Jamboree
2013 National Boy Scout Jamboree
Pyrotechnics Guild International
August 11, 2013
Congressional Medal of Honor
Gettysburg, PA
September 21, 2013
Congressional Medal of Honor
Gettysburg, PA
September 21, 2013
Congressional Medal of Honor
Gettysburg, PA
September 21, 2013
2014 Calendar Photo
Today Dr. Zambelli guides Zambelli Fireworks as Chairman of the Board, continuing his
grandfather Antonio’s dreams and the leadership of his father George Sr. while mentoring his
sons Jared and George III in the artistry of pyrotechnics.