Sycamore History Museum Winter Fundraiser Friday

Featuring ‘Burnham’s 1893 Chicago World’s Fair’ 

Daniel Burnham is coming to Sycamore and he is going to explore the ever popular 1893 World’s Fair!

Connect to the excitement of the art, food, entertainment and technological gadgets that were all part of this important historical event. Daniel Burnham, portrayed by Terry Lynch, will introduce you to the people and events connected to the World’s Fair. He will also include some interesting and little known facts that connect Sycamore to the World’s Fair. This presentation is part of the Sycamore History Museum’s Winter Fundraiser on Friday, March 4. In addition to the program, there will be period desserts (brownies, Cracker Jack, Juicy Fruit gum), a photo booth with an 1893 Fair background, a silent auction, and cash bar.

Burnham was the head architect of the Fair. The space included 630 acres and 200 buildings, and among those structures there were 14 “great buildings” that included: the Agriculture, Electricity, Women, Transportation, and Manufacturing and Liberal Arts. About 46 nations  along with 42 states were also represented. This was an overwhelming project. Not only did Burnham do it successfully, he inspired future municipal planners and created the City Beautiful Movement.

The story of the 1893 World’s Fair and Daniel Burnham is one that gets many people excited about history. It was a very popular event that attracted 26 million people from around the world, and note that Chicago only had 1 million people in 1890s. This was a great opportunity for ordinary people to see the world, experience the newest technology, try new foods, and ride on the first Ferris Wheel.

“’Burnham’s trip to Sycamore’ was inspired by the Sycamore History Museum’s current exhibit, ‘Connecting a Community.’ Programs that included a discussion of the Fair were very well attended. Once the Sycamore History Museum staff knew there was a high quality Danial Burnham performer located in our area, we knew it would the perfect fit for the Winter Fundraiser,” explained Michelle Donahoe, Executive Director of the Sycamore History Museum. She continued, “Terry Lynch often presents this program for school groups, so the evening will be very family friendly. Children and adults will especially enjoy the photo booth and special treats introduced at the Fair.”

“Daniel Burnham and the 1893 World’s Fair” will be held this Friday, March 4th, 2016. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children. They are available on-line at sycamorehistory.org, DeKalbCountyTickets.com, the Sycamore History Museum and the Sycamore Chamber. The Fundraiser will be at St. Mary’s Memorial Hall, 322 Waterman St. in Sycamore. Doors open at 6:30 and the program starts at 7:00 p.m. For more information visit the event page or call 815-895-5762.