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.
The St. Louis Police Department and the World’s Fair November 7, 2026 @ 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm - The 1904 World’s Fair presented a unique challenge for St. Louis law enforcement. Millions of visitors and many high-profile world leaders would attend the exposition, and the challenge for law enforcement was clear. The challenge was met by dividing the department in half during the Fair, and working with supplemental police and security (the Jefferson Guard). Several high-profile events occurred during the Fair had a long-term impact on the department.
St. Louis County Library–Oak Bend Branch, 842 S Holmes Ave, St. Louis, MO 63122, USA
- Noted St. Louis author Ken Zimmerman Jr. has authored over 20 books about St. Louis history and true crime. He wrote a 2024 book specifically about the police department’s Chief of Detectives William Desmond. His program will describe how St. Louis met the challenge of providing security and controlling crime at the Fair. He works for Washington University graduate medical education, and holds rank in three martial arts.