A new exhibit in Chicago explores an advertising campaign launched at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition and only recently ended. ReIMAGINE Aunt Jemima is on display in the lobby of the Carter G. Woodson Regional Library (9525 S Halsted Street in Chicago) from April 28 to July 9, 2021.

ReIMAGINE Aunt Jemima on display at the Carter G. Woodson Regional Library in Chicago.

The exhibit centers on the Chicagoans and “living trademarks” Nancy Green and Edith Wilson, who portrayed Aunt Jemima for public events. The display features several historical images and documents relating to the 1893 World’s Fair. A centerpiece is “Pancakes Anyone?”, a prize-winning display created by eight-grade students Val and Aaron Williams for the Chicago Metro History Fair. The exhibit is a community partnership with the Bronzeville Historical Society and its founder, Sherry Williams.

Aunt Jemima has received a great deal of attention in recent years as historians, corporations, and social activists scrutinize the advertising character’s complex history. We recently offered a profile of Nancy Green and the character she portrayed at the 1893 World’s Fair.

Nancy Green became a “living trademark” as Aunt Jemima at the 1893 World’s Fair.