The 1904 World’s Fair Society has monthly membership meetings with programs on various topics relating to the Fair.

It has always been a tradition of the organization to have a meeting near the end of April to celebrate “opening day”, (the day the fair opened, April 30th,1904), and to have a “closing day” banquet in December (the day the fair closed, December 1st, 1904) .

Most meetings have a drawing for an attendance prize for members attending the meeting. You may register every time you attend a meeting at the reception table near the door.  Attending more meetings will give you more opportunities to win.  Attendance prizes will vary. Often they will match the subject of the meeting.  You must be present to win.

The meetings are always well attended with people very knowledgeable about the fair. Please feel free to attend and ask questions. Visitors are always welcome.

February 19, 2025
  • Spectacular Technology at the World's Fair

    February 19, 2025 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
    University City Public Library, 6701 Delmar Blvd, University City, MO 63130, USA

    - At the 1904 World's Fair, many new inventions, technical inventions, and industrial advances were on display to the world.  

    - Along with many historic pieces of art from all over the world, advances in communication, transportation, manufacturing, electricity, aviation, and even anthropology were also seen everywhere at the Fair. They foreshadowed what the rest of the 20th century might bring. Also, a congress (convention) of the world's leading scientists met to discuss and share their thoughts about these   evolving sciences.

    - David Walsh is a lecturer in the American Culture Studies program at Washington University. While his research focuses on technology since 1950, he teaches varied classes on the tremendous scientific advances of the 20th century.  

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March 11, 2025
  • China and the 1904 World's Fair

    March 11, 2025 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
    University City Public Library, 6701 Delmar Blvd, University City, MO 63130, USA

    - At the turn of the 20th Century, both the Chinese Qing and and American governments were navigating though the global forces of colonialism, and imperialism.  Zhao Ma will explore the background of China deciding to come to the World’s Fair; this was the first time that China would participate in a world exposition.  He’ll also tell stories about the carefully and complicated representations of China that were displayed at the 1904 Fair, and were designed to appeal to an American audience.

    - Zhao Ma is Associate Professor of Modern Chinese History and Culture at WashU, and Head of the Chinese Section. ​He teaches courses on 20th-century Chinese history and the history of US-China relations.

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April 15, 2025
  • A Trip to the Pike with Mike Truax

    April 15, 2025 @ 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
    Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112, USA

    - Many people know a little about The Pike, but most people only know it was a “midway”.  One of the Fair's major features, the Pike was the Fair's entertainment section, and came alive after the exhibit Palaces closed at dusk.   Mike Truax will take you on a "A Trip to the Pike", as related through the experiences of a typical 1904 family.  
    - For example:  Did you know that the mile-long Pike had over 50 attractions?  And a few other concessions were scattered along Skinker Av. The numerous concessions included: entertainment (with actual and simulated rides), historical and scientific exhibits, a large animal exhibit, a wild west show in an arena, a large-scale realistic re-enactment of Boer War battles, many restaurants, concessions from several foreign lands featuring native food, peoples, theaters, and stores, and (of course) the giant Observation (Ferris) Wheel.
    - You will learn about the amazing sights and attractions that Fair visitors experienced.
    - Mike Truax is the current President of the 1904 World’s Fair Society.  He also collects Fair memorabilia, and has been studying the World’s Fair since 1996..

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