The “First Family of Fireworks”
Fireworker Antonio Zambelli ventured from Italy in 1893 to establish the Zambelli Fireworks Manufacturing Company in New Castle, Pennsylvania, which was to become a center for America’s fireworks industry. Building on the grand tradition Antonio began, subsequent generations of Zambellis are now known worldwide for setting the industry standard in design and technology – then exceeding it. Today, that Zambelli family heritage continues under the guidance of Antonio’s grandson, George Zambelli Jr., M.D., as Chairman.
The dreams, dedication and precision infused into the business by the Zambelli family has been displayed in a variety of venues from presidential celebrations to small town weddings. Indeed, with both outdoor and indoor extravaganzas of all scopes and sizes, Zambelli Fireworks has changed the face of the fireworks industry.
When Antonio Zambelli emigrated from Italy to the United States in 1893, he carried a big dream and a little black book full of his family’s fireworks recipes. Through the stewardship of his late son, George Zambelli Sr., Antonio’s dream has grown to include some of the most creative and innovative pyrotechnics in the world.
The 124 year Journey of Zambelli Fireworks
We invite you to tour our history and see the amazing journey – from Italian immigrants to the US to putting on the world’s greatest pyrotechnic displays for presidents and historical events.
When Antonio Zambelli emigrated from Italy to the United States in 1893, he carried a big dream and a little black book full of his family’s fireworks recipes. Through the stewardship of his late son, George Zambelli Sr., Antonio’s dream has grown to include some of the most creative and…
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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.
Antonio and his four sons (from left to right): George, Carmen, Antonio, Joe, and Louis.
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.
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. 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…
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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…
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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
Zambelli fireworks exhibited from South Lawn during President Johnson’s State Dinner.
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…
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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 1950s Washington Monument, Zambelli Fireworks Spectacular
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.
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 illuminate sky behind Independence Hall. George Zambelli and his brother Louis review aerial shells for Philadelphia Bicentennial Spectacular. 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…
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Zambelli Fireworks, was proud to exhibit fireworks on the occasion 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.
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 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.
George Sr. explains fireworks set-up to White House ushers Rex Scouten and Gary Walters.
Zambelli family with President George H.W. Bush aboard the Tall Ship Eagle
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…
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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.
Gulf War Victory Celebration, Mall (Washington Monument) 1991 George Zambelli III with General Norman Schwarzkopf National Victory Day Parade President George Bush watching national Victory Day Parade George Zambelli III atop Army amphibious vehicle.
Toured China’s fireworks factories to incorporate Zambelli manufacturing technology, safety, and quality control. Dr. George Zambelli Jr. builds a 12” chrysanthemum shell George Jr., George Sr., and Howard Simmons visit a Chinese government fireworks facility George Sr. discusses pioneering bar codes on pyrotechnic articles with world renowned Japanese firework maker…
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President Clinton with Prime Minister John Major during their visit to Pittsburgh on November 12, 1992
George ZambelliSr. with Michael Eisner, chairman and CEO of Disney, at the premiere of Angels in the Outfield
Pocahontas 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.
Zambelli Fireworks performed a display for the Pope John Paul II’s visit to Baltimore in October 1995. Papal Visit to Baltimore George Sr. with Pope John Paul II prior to the display.
Zambelli Fireworks highlighted the Premiere of Disney’s Hercules on June 14, 1997 in New York City
George and Louis Zambelli inspect special Zambelli XXX in preparation for Papal fireworks display. Pope John Paul II’s visit to St. Louis. George Sr. and Connie had special audience with the Pope.
Over 150 Millennium shows including the famed New Year’s Eve show in Las Vegas launched from 13 locations
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.
Author Hunter Thompson’s ashes were put in shells and fired in the air at his memorial service on August 20, 2005.
Lou Zambelli, George Sr.’s youngest brother ,at 87 years old, still works 7 days a week at the plant manufacturing custom specialty shells
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
The 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.
Now in its 23rd year, Thunder Over Louisville is the granddaddy 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…
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Zambelli Fireworks celebrated Oman’s 40th National Day for His Majesty Sultan Qaboosbin Sainon November 9, 2010.
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…
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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.
Larry the Cable Guy’s visit to fireworks facility for History Channel’s “Only in America”
Zambelli Fireworks has been host to Pittsburgh Pirates fireworks for over 4 decades at Forbes Field, Three Rivers Stadium, and PNC Park. Fireworks explode outside PNC Park. Skyblast fireworks illuminate Bill Mazeroski statue.
Zambelli Fireworks choreographed to music launched from 3 super barges on the river in Detroit.
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. Historic 24” shell is carefully loaded into a giant mortar 24” shell in the Detroit Annual Freedom Festival show
Buddy Bagley, fireworks chairman of the Jubilee for the 30th year, works with Dr. George Zambelli Jr.
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…
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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.
Three generations of Zambelli’s produce Philadelphia’s July 4th Celebration at historic Philadelphia Art Museum.
Mark Spielvogel, pyrotechnic graphic designer, creates theatrical and animated sets as illustrated in these design illustrations for Hagley Museum.
