Few full exhibits from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition remained intact after the close of the fair. A notable exception is the “Exhibit of Large North American Mammals” that was on display inside the Kansas State Building. The University of Kansas Natural History Museum is home to the display, which is the subject of a series of events this summer to celebrate its 125th anniversary.

Professor Lewis Lindsay Dyche created the panorama to showcase the university’s natural-history and taxidermy collection and to “awaken a more general interest and teach valuable lessons on the natural history of North American mammals.” The exhibit of 121 specimens of large North American mammals displayed in the north side of the Kansas Building “from the very first day of the fair attracted large crowds of enthusiastic admirers,” reported World’s Columbian Exposition Illustrated in September 1893.

Dyche’s Panorama “Exhibit of Large North American Mammals” inside the Kansas Building at the 1893 World’s Fair. [Image from World’s Columbian Exposition Illustrated September 1893.]

Dyche’s Panorama at the University of Kansas Natural History Museum. [Image from the University of Kansas.]

The UK Natural History Museum is celebrating 125th anniversary of Dyche’s Panorama with a new exhibit that includes artifacts and photographs from their archives and items provided by the descendants of one of Lewis Lindsay Dyche’s assistants, Charles “Pug” Saunders. The Museum also is holding these events in 2018 to honor the Panorama:

Through A Glass Wildly, July 11, 6:30pm. A celebration of the Panorama featuring the poetry of Elizabeth Schultz, KU professor emerita of English. Free but ticketed event that includes dessert reception

Discovery Day: Panorama, July 22, 1-3pm. Inviting the public to join us in celebrating the 125th anniversary of the KU Natural History Museum’s historic Panorama exhibit. This family-friendly event features games, hands-on activities, and museum specimens. Free event.

Panorama 125, August 17, 2 pm. Welcoming KU students to campus and featuring Cracker Jack, the American snack that premiered at the 1893 World’s Fair where the museum’s historic Panorama exhibit was first displayed. Come explore the Panorama and enjoy a free Cracker Jack snack! Free event.

Magic Lantern Revisited, September 20, 6:30 pm. A special event to be held in South Park in downtown Lawrence featuring images Dyche used in public lectures at the turn of the last century. Ticketed event; tickets available beginning July 15.

The KU Natural History Museum (1345 Jayhawk Blvd. / Lawrence, Kansas) is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm and Sundays from noon to 4 pm.