World’s Fair Collectibles: Chicago 1893, St. Louis 1904, 1933 Century of Progress & 1964 New York Fair

Technically, the World's Fair still exists...but it's not the event to Americans it once was. In this episode, we explore how historic World’s Fairs (from the 1893 Chicago World’s Columbian Exposition and the 1904 St. Louis Louisiana Purchase Exposition to the 1933-34 Century of Progress and the 1964 New York World’s Fair) shaped culture and modern life, introducing electricity, the Ferris Wheel, early radios, Art Deco design, and even the spread of iconic foods. For us, it means there's a wide range of collectible items like souvenir spoons, commemorative glassware, advertising pieces, ephemera, postcards, guidebooks, and early plastic souvenirs. If you’re an antiques dealer, vintage reseller, or collector, you'll love this introduction to World’s Fair history, memorabilia, and high-demand collectible categories. After listening, you'll be able to better identify pieces that have a wide collector base and recognize why these global exhibitions, once the ultimate “influencer events," still impact what sells today.