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.
Almost Forgotten: Lessons in Tracking Down Lost Art October 12, 2026 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm - When artwork disappears, it isn’t necessarily stolen - sometimes it’s simply forgotten. In this program, researcher and artist Ryan Greis shares how he tracked down over a million dollars’ worth of missing and overlooked artworks, uncovering the stories of forgotten artists and the vanished moments of our cultural past along the way. From dusty archives to scattered records, Ryan shows how persistence, curiosity, and asking the right questions can piece together fragments of history. Even uncovering … something from the World’s Fair! 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.
University City Public Library, 6701 Delmar Blvd, University City, MO 63130, USA
- Ryan Greis is a native of Cincinnati. He earned a BA in Visual Communications from Northern Kentucky University and an MBA from Lindenwood University. He went on to earn accolades for his illustration work and his paintings have been showcased in galleries on both East and West coasts. Ryan currently leads and teaches drawing-focused art at his local St. Louis studio, Drawn Studio.
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.