From 1933-1934, the Century of Progress International Exposition welcomed a record-breaking 39 million attendees to the event in Chicago. Beginning August 29, 2025, the Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E Park Ave., will present World of Tomorrow: A Century of Progress, delving into how the 1933-1934 world's fair symbolized optimism and hope, illustrating Chicago's evolution from a frontier town to a sophisticated metropolis.

In honor of Chicago's 100th anniversary, the city hosted its second world's fair in 40 years, the Century of Progress International Exposition. The fair spanned over 400 acres of Chicago's lakeshore, showcasing technological innovations and lifting people's spirits during the Great Depression. This world's fair was notably one of the most successful in history, drawing a record-breaking number attendees and featured a distinctive design aesthetic, as evidenced by the numerous souvenirs collected by fairgoers.

Guests can expect to view a range of artifacts from the 1933-1934 fair, including:

  • Toys and Collectibles from the Island of Enchantment (children's section of the Fair on the Midway)
  • Souvenirs from the International Pavillion, such as Paris, Belgium, and Japan
  • Fair Staff Uniform worn by Elmhurst Resident Carl Bucholz who was part of the cashier team at the 1933-34 Century of Progress World’s Fair
  • Scrapbooks from Fair Workers who recorded their experience through photographs, diary entries, and souvenirs
  • Souvenirs from the recreation of Fort Dearborn and Abraham Lincoln Log Cabin

Patrons will have the opportunity to enjoy a range of programs and events tied to the exhibit, such as a Bus Tour to Century of Progress Homes in Beverly Shores, Indiana in October, a Gallery Talk with Curator of Exhibits, Sarah Cox, on Sunday, November 2, and a family-friendly Hands-On History Day November 8. Additional supporting programs include a lecture about the MLB All-Star Game, which got its start during the fair, on October 26, and a lecture on iconic sex symbol Sally Rand, one of the fair’s biggest stars, on November 16. Tickets and additional information are available at elmhursthistory.org.

The exhibit will be on display August 29, 2025 - January 4, 2026. The Elmhurst History Museum is open to all ages and offers free admission. The museum is open 1 – 5 p.m. Sunday & Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, and closed Monday. For additional information, please visit www.elmhursthistory.org.

Elmhurst History Museum’s “World of Tomorrow: A Century of Progress” exhibit is sponsored by: Feze Roofing, Patchwork Therapy, Michael V. LoCicero, Attorney at Law, Community Bank of Elmhurst, Classic Cinemas, and the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation.

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The Elmhurst History Museum is a department of the City of Elmhurst supported by the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit organization. The Museum is located at 120 E. Park Ave. in downtown Elmhurst. General admission is free. For more information, call 630-833-1457 or visit our website at elmhursthistory.org.