Hagley's World's Fair exhibit in Oklahoma

Hagley's Centuries of Progress: American World’s Fairs is now on display at the Price Tower Arts Center in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. The exhibit is part of Hagley's traveling exhibits made possible through a partnership with ExhibitsUSA.

Here is a portion of the Price Tower Arts Center press release about Centuries of Progress:

"Drawing from the Hagley’s vast collections, Centuries of Progress, showcases thousands of featured products, curiosities, and inventions that made their debut at one of 17 international festivals on American soil. Many familiar consumer goods that are now part of the fabric of American life—from Wonder Bread to Juicy Fruit chewing gum—were either introduced or popularized at world’s fairs. Fairgoers also experienced art, architecture, design, music, popular culture, and entertainment. These fairs were marketplaces of ideas and technological innovation that celebrated progress, trade, and goodwill."

"There will be nearly 125 objects on display, ranging from photographs to models, archival materials to ephemera. The history of the fairs is depicted through six thematic categories: Progress as a Way of Life introduces the rationale for the creation of world’s fairs. Marketplace of Ideas demonstrates the immense opportunity manufacturers had to market new inventions, while Consumerism depicts fair-goers as an eager audience for innovative goods, from Juicy Fruit to Wonder Bread and Dr. Pepper. Art, Architecture and Music and Popular Amusements illustrate the vast entertainment options, from colossal buildings and sculptures to carnival rides and exhibitions of 'exotic' lands and cultures. Finally, Remembering the Fair includes souvenirs and commemorative items. After all, who could go home empty-handed after experiencing the wonders of a World’s Fair?"

The Price Tower Arts Center has put together a wonderful schedule of public programming related to the exhibit. Visit their website for more information