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.