A Century of Progress
International Exposition Records
A Century of Progress International Exposition was held in Chicago during the summers of 1933 and 1934. The fair celebrated the scientific and technological advances made in the century since the founding of Chicago in 1833.
The main features of the fair included exhibits depicting the application of scientific principles to consumer and other industries; historical replicas; pavilions of the state and federal governments; and foreign villages. Under the direction of Lenox Riley Lohr, the general manager, the exposition met all of its financial obligations and closed with surplus funds, which were distributed among Chicago charities.
The collection includes correspondence, notes, reports, minutes, legal and financial records, charts, graphs, statistics, press releases, clippings, pamphlets, magazines, newsletters, photographs, blueprints, and phonograph records. The materials pertain to the construction, operation and demolition of the fair, 1928-1935, the lawsuit against the park commissioners, 1936-1937, and the writing of the official history of the fair, 1935-1940.
Visit the Special Collections department at the Richard J. Daley Library to see the A Century of Progress International Exposition Records as well as many others.
Return to the Richard J. Daley Special Collections main page.
