Learn about the 1901 Pan-American Exposition with some artifacts from our collection below.

Clock

Metal

Clockworks mounted on a large black frying pan as a souvenir of the Pan-American Exposition. The central face of the clock displays an enameled image of Raphael Beck's logo.

Mandolin

Leather/Wood/Mother-of-Pearl/Metal

A mandolin made for the Pan-American Exposition.

Midway

Oil on Canvas

A painting of the Pan-American Exposition midway by John Ross Key. The midway occupied a large section of the Pan-American grounds just beyond the West Canal with various attractions.

Paperweight

Glass

A souvenir glass paperweight featuring the Electric Tower at night.

Ribbon

Silk

A white silk ribbon commemorating “Buffalo Day”, a day of special admission for Buffalo residents, at the Pan-American Exposition on October 19, 1901.

Inkwell

Aluminum

A crab-shaped inkwell sold as a souvenir at the Pan-American Exposition. At the time, the process of making aluminum was only beginning to become affordable so souvenirs made from aluminum, a previously expensive material, were very popular.

Souvenir Goblet

Glass

A ruby flashed souvenir glass goblet sold at the Pan-American Exposition.

The Spirit of Niagara

Oil on Canvas

"The Spirit of Niagara" by Evelyn Rumsey Cary. This painting won a design competition and formed the central image of posters and many souvenirs promoting the Pan-American Exposition.

Pan-American Exposition Flag

Silk

A silk flag featuring Adelaide Thorpe’s official design for the Pan-American Exposition. The design features elements that represent North and South America with the white bar in the middle for unity.

Thimble Holder

Seashell/metal/ceramic

A souvenir thimble holder made of seashells on a metal base from the Pan-American Exposition.

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