The Happy Invention: History and Significance of Picture Postcards

For our May Think & Drink, we take a deep dive into the documentary power and significance of picture postcards.

The first picture postcards were published for the 1889 Paris Exposition, celebrating the completion of the Eiffel Tower. In America, the first picture postcards were printed for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago —making Illinois the birthplace of the American picture postcard. Since those flowery Victorian originals, uncountable billions of postcards of every aspect of life have been printed.

Join Katherine Hamilton-Smith, founding curator of the Curt Teich Postcard Archives, now at the Newberry Library, Chicago, as she unravels the power and historical significance of picture postcards, including Illinois’ pivotal role in their development.

Ms. Hamilton-Smith is a museum and archives professional with 30+ years of experience in public history, historic sites management, exhibitions and interpretation, collections development and care, and National Historic Landmarks.

She loves learning the history of the different towns she visits and encourages guests to bring their own historic postcards to share!

This is a free event. Beverages are available for purchase from the Public Landing Restaurant.

Host or Publisher The Gaylord Building Historic Site