This Artifact-of-the-Month selection was originally posted on Friday, May 10th, 2024

As the end of April 1901 approached, the city of Buffalo was anxiously waiting for the opening of the Pan-American Exposition. But there was a problem – the Pan-Am wasn’t ready for its scheduled May 1st opening. Construction delays (including those caused by an unusually wet winter and spring) meant that there was still significant work to be done on the buildings, grounds and exhibits. Rather than risk a grand opening of an unfinished product, the organizers of the Pan-Am announced that they were postponing formal ceremonies until May 20th, which was designated as “Dedication Day.”

But at that late date, invitations for the opening had already been sent. One of those invitations is the Artifact of the Month (a close-up is available here). Instead of a great celebration, visitors to the Pan-Am on May 1st experienced a taste of what was to come. The day culminated at dusk when visitors experienced the lighting of the approximately 200,000 electric light bulbs which outlined the fair buildings for the first time.

Although delayed, the festivities on Dedication Day were as grand as promised. The day started with a parade from Buffalo’s City Hall to the Exposition grounds featuring about 2,000 troops and many dignitaries including Vice-President Theodore Roosevelt. TR also spoke at a program for invited guests that was held at the Temple of Music. Concerts, gun salutes, and fireworks were a few of the other things included in the day’s special events.

It might have been slightly delayed, but the Pan-American Exposition – and the city of Buffalo – were finally ready to show off its wonders to visitors.

– Amy Sanderson, Collections Manager