Part of the 2026 Winter Speaker Series
via Zoom- Link will be emailed on February 10 at 3pm. Presentation will begin at 6pm
February 10, 2026
Re-discovering the Hidden Histories and Inspirations of the Centennial Exhibition
presented by Lori Salganicoff
Part of the 2026 Winter Speaker Series, Building Philadelphia via Zoom.
$10 for Members. Be sure to log in at checkout for the discounted rates.
On a rainy Wednesday 149 years and 9 months ago this February, the world descended on Philadelphia to begin a 6-month celebration of American independence, human ingenuity and the dawn of international consumerism. Now, at the beginning of the nation’s Seminquincentennial year of 2026, Philadelphians and Americans can (and should!) look back to the Centennial Exhibition of 1876 for inspiration, pride and with questions about that time and this one.
Using stereoview images, maps and publications from her collection and in the public domain, Lori Salganicoff will reveal physical, cultural and social impacts of the Centennial – from the astounding to the mundane. In addition to discovering many exotic curiosities and firsts, you will learn what happened to the 249 buildings and the infrastracture that occupied the 285 acres across the Belmont Plateau to Parkside Avenue (Elm Street) and George’s Hill, what remains in the landscape, and how Philadelphia fared as host to the world and 10-million Fair visitors.
Lori Salganicoff is a Philadelphia preservationist and urban planner who spent her entire fee from serving as the Preservation Planner for the 2004 Centennial District Master Plan on Centennial memorabilia. Her decades-long fascination with the Exposition began when she worked on the revitalization of Parkside Avenue properties, and was excited to “see” the enormous Main and Machinery Buildings that stood there dwarfing the now-iconic Memorial Hall. She has served on the Advocacy Committee of the Preservation Alliance since it was the Preservation Coalition.
Complementary access available for current students and Art-Reach ACCESS card holders. Email [email protected] with valid student ID or ACCESS card to register.
The presentation link will be emailed to registrants on Tuesday, February 10 at 3pm.
All lectures will be recorded and a replay will be available to registered participants.
Image Credits: Memorial Hall Opening Day of the Centennial
