LINDSBORG, Kan. – Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum will host “World’s Fair Remnants in Kansas,” a presentation and discussion by Thomas Prasch on Thursday, March 30 at 6 p.m. in the 1904 Swedish Pavilion, 120 E. Mill St.
All are invited to attend the free program. The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas.
Ice cream cones. Ferris wheels. Hot dogs. Cotton candy. All these iconic items were first introduced at world fairs held in America. The very first international exposition, known commonly as a world’s fair, launched in London in 1851 at the Crystal Palace. Since then, innovations in architecture, engineering, foods, and futuristic visions have debuted at fairs across the globe, including ones held in the United States. Oftentimes lasting legacies remained, such as Seattle’s Space Needle, Forest Park in St. Louis, and the US Open site in New York. Surprisingly, Kansas, which has never hosted an international exhibition, is home to at least four striking legacies of significant world’s fairs. This talk will share the history and significance of international exhibitions worldwide and focus on the wonders held today in the towns of Lawrence, Lindsborg, and Wamego.
Thomas Prasch is a professor and chair of the History department at Washburn University.
“World’s Fair Remnants in Kansas” is part of Humanities Kansas’s Speakers Bureau, featuring humanities-based presentations designed to share stories that inspire, spark conversations that inform, and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement.
For more information about “World’s Fair Remnants in Kansas” in Lindsborg contact the Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum at 785-227-3595 or visit www.oldmillmuseum.org.
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Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.
The Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum celebrates and preserves the pioneering spirit of the Smoky Valley by educating, entertaining, and building community across generations so that history comes to life. With special emphasis on the period from 1870 to 1910, the museum includes two buildings on the National Registry of Historical Places and extensive archives and artifact collections. The museum seeks to honor the rich story of Lindsborg and its people.
Learn more about the museum at www.oldmillmuseum.org.
