ONLINE - America's First World's Fair: The 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia

John and Frances Glessner attended the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia and, like many others, purchased a few items at the fair as souvenirs, which are still displayed in the house. John Glessner’s company, then known as Warder, Mitchell & Co., also exhibited its farm machinery in Agricultural Hall. This presentation will look at the Exposition as America’s first word’s fair and how it commemorated the 100th anniversary of the United States. It will also consider how railroads made it possible for people to reach the exhibition, and how the items sold at the Centennial helped spur the development of department stores in Victorian America. The presentation will be given by John Hepp, professor emeritus of history at Wilkes University in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. This program will be recorded and a link will be sent to all registrants. The link will remain live for seven days following the program. $16 per person / $13 for members Purchase Tickets All ticket sales final, no refunds or exchanges.