Building 13

"Building 13, which houses the American Museum of the Moving Image," wrote Joseph Scrabonia, "was at the time of the Army Pictorial Center the fastest processing motion picture lab in the world."

Scraboni, who was leader, photo equipment repairer, Technical Maintenance Branch, in Building 13, recalled, "Because of the mild glamour it sure was overlooked. My last statement in this matter claiming that Hollywood was so impressed with our quality and speed they were impressed.  Foreign nations visited us to find out our techniques.  

"You see Army Pictorial Center was beneficial to the world, and it closed.  I was there when I and a crew were dismantling the high speed machines.  A colonel of infantry visited us and complained that the films he received from a private contractor were in black and white. He said I could not distinguish the color of the mustard gas shell with any of the other shells, because mustard shells are yellow."

The American Museum of the Moving Image

This fascinating museum occupies a building adjacent to the former Army Pictorial Center and presents a wide range of motion picture- and television-related exhibits and film screenings.  The Army Pictorial Center is represented by a single model Signal Corps diorama that was used as a prop in a training film.

MUSEUM INFORMATION
Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Program Admission: Admission to film screenings is $5, $4 for persons over 65, and $2.50 for children and students with valid I.D.
All times: Members are admitted free. Reservation privileges are available to
members only.
Location: 35 Avenue and 36 Street in Astoria.
Subway: R train to Steinway, use the 34 Avenue exit.
Phone: Program information: (718)784-0077. Travel directions: (718)784-4777.

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. No strollers are permitted. The Museum is wheelchair accessible.

The American Museum of the Moving Image occupies a building owned by the City of New York. With the assistance of the Queens Borough President and the Queens Delegation of The New York City Council, the Museum receives support from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the New York City Economic Development Corporation. Vital support is also provided by The New York State Council on the Arts, The Natural Heritage Trust (administered by The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation), the National Endowment for the Arts, the Institute of Museum Services, corporations, foundations, and individuals.