Picture Postcards: The Happy Invention

Picture Postcards: The Happy Invention
Tuesday, October 21st at 6:00 p.m.

From elegant Victorian-era designs to playful cartoons and vivid snapshots of everyday life, postcards have captured the spirit of the times for over a century. In this program, you’ll explore the rich history and lasting cultural impact of this beloved form of communication—from its debut at the 1889 Paris Exposition to its American roots at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, with Illinois playing a central role.

Leading the presentation is Katherine Hamilton-Smith, founding curator of the Teich Archives, who will share stories about the documentary power of postcards, the legacy of Chicago’s Curt Teich Company, and Illinois’ influence on postcard history.

This program is made possible by Illinois Humanities, with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy Demands Wisdom, the Illinois General Assembly via the Illinois Arts Council Agency, and generous contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations.

This program will be on Zoom; registration required: https://shorturl.at/fuJMJ.