Special exhibit "Welcome to the World's Fair: Philadelphia 1876"

A century after a handful of colonists declared their independence from Great Britain, the growing United States celebrated its success at the democratic experiment in grand fashion. The Philadelphia Centennial Exposition was a world's fair that demonstrated the young American republic's innovations in science, agriculture, industry and the arts. The 6-month long event attracted prominent speakers from across the country, including the Republican candidate for president, Rutherford B. Hayes. With the United States celebrating 250 years of the American experiment, the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums will remember the 150th anniversary of the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition with the special exhibit "Welcome to the World's Fair: Philadelphia 1876." The exhibit will share the history of the exposition, discuss its impact on American culture and society and display artifacts from the exposition. Accompanying the Centennial exhibit, the museum will also feature a gallery of artifacts from its collection from the American Revolution in homage to 250 years of American independence. "As we celebrate America 250, this exhibit is interesting because it gives us a look into how people have celebrated U.S. independence in the past, and it gives us a glimpse into a grand spectacle that we don't really see much anymore," said Kevin Moore, Hayes Presidential curator of artifacts. This exhibit will be on display through Wednesday, June 30, 2027. Access is