Columbian Exposition News
The enduring legacy of the 1893 World’s Fair in modern scholarship, education, the arts, creative products, preservation, and other events.
RECENT POSTS ABOUT COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION NEWS
Final Jeopardy
We've been devoted Jeopardy fans in recent weeks, due to the incredible winning streak of Amy Schneider. The episode that aired on January 24, 2022, included an extra treat: a final Jeopardy about the 1893 World's Fair: The answer question, of course, is "What is the Field Museum?" (then called the Field Columbian Museum), named for benefactor Marshall Field. Although defending champion Amy Schneider bet big but did not [...]
Which of the 6 Everyday Inventions Debuted at 1893 World’s Fair?
Do you know which of these “6 Everyday Inventions That Debuted at World's Fairs," from a list assembled by History.com, are from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition? 1. telephone 2. zipper 3. dishwasher 4. electrical plug and socket 5. television 6. touchscreens Josephine Cochrane (1839–1913) of Shelbyville, IL, is credited with inventing the dishwashing machine, which she exhibited in the Inventions Room of the Woman’s Building. Whitcomb L. Judson [...]
Bancroft’s “Book of the Fair”
High school history teacher Michael Skomba writes in “Go West! Then Back to the Future” (Smithsonian Magazine blog January 14, 2022) about his exploration of one of the most popular and enduring historical narratives of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. The Book of the Fair by Hubert Howe Bancroft, published in numerous editions, was “algorithmically perfected to maximize the market for an expensive work,” according to Bancroft scholar Dr. Travis [...]
Will Keanu Reeves be the Devil in the White City?
“I believe our adventure through time has taken a most serious turn.” Deadline and other news outlets are reporting that Keanu Reeves (Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventures, The Matrix) is in talks to star in The Devil in the White City limited series being produced for Hulu. The show will be an adaptation of Erik Larson’s best-selling 2003 non-fiction book that interweaves the true stories of renowned architect [...]
Jan. 28, 2022: “Innovations at the 1893 World’s Fair” (online)
Chicago Detours invites guests to explore “Innovations at the 1893 World's Fair” on January 28, 2022, at 7 pm. Through a virtual visit (via Zoom) to the World's Columbian Exposition, attendees will delve into the inventions, engineering feats, and gastronomical exhibits that wowed visitors to Chicago's most esteemed event. During this one-hour tour, you will see interior photos of the jaw-dropping sights like the Electricity Hall and the Manufacturers [...]
Jan. 14, 2022: “A Day at the 1893 World’s Fair” (online)
Chicago Detours invites guests to “A Day at the 1893 World's Fair” January 14, 2022, at 7 pm. Through a virtual visit (via Zoom) to the World's Columbian Exposition, attendees will learn how to get to the fairgrounds and purchase tickets, where to find lunch, and even where to find a bathroom. During this one-hour tour, you will learn about the people, places and ideas from the World’s Fair [...]
Season’s Readings: 2021 Books about the World’s Columbian Exposition
2019 brought several additions to the World’s Columbian Exposition bookshelf.
“Process exhibits” at the 1893 World’s Fair
A new article posted at History.com explores the evolution of how manufacturers exhibited their products at expositions. In “How Early World Fairs Put Industrial Revolution Progress on Display,” Elizabeth Yuko describes how exhibitors at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition used “process exhibits” to give fairgoers “the chance to witness firsthand how everything from glass to shoes to foods were made.” A view looking north along Columbia Avenue in [...]
1893 World’s Fair ends in tragedy
The World's Columbian Exposition closed on October 30, 1893. The Chicago Sun-Times recalls the tragedy that cast a shadow over the planned, but cancelled, closing ceremonies. The full story is available at "World’s Fair ends in tragedy".
Changes to Jackson Park 1893-2021
Construction in and around the Obama Presidential Center site in Jackson Park began on Monday, August 16. The long-delayed project on 19.3 acres of Jackson Park is set to be completed in 2025. In April, we posted a static map showing the "Footprint of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park" and have now posted a YouTube video showing Jackson Park from 1893 World's Fair to Obama Presidential Center [...]