Yesterday's worlds of tomorrow.

• Position: Innovations

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The human spirit has been displayed in many forms over the years. "Centuries of Progress: American World's Fairs" looks back through colored grasses at what we thought the future would hold for us. The essence of innovation and creativity, as well as memorabilia from 1853-t982, is on display.

The exhibit showcases thousands of products, curiosities, and inventions that made their debut at one of 17 international festivals on U.S. soil. Many familiar consumer goods that now are part of the fabric of American life--from Wonder Bread to Juicy Fruit chewing gum--either were introduced or popularized at world's fairs. Fairgoers also experienced art, architecture, design, music, popular culture, and entertainment. These fairs were marketplaces of ideas and technological innovation that celebrated progress, trade, and goodwill.

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The history of the fairs is depicted through six thematic categories: "Progress as a Way of Life" introduces the rationale for the creation of world's fairs. "Marketplace of Ideas" demonstrates the immense opportunity manufacturers had to market new inventions, while "Consumerism" depicts fairgoers as an eager audience for innovative goods. "Art, Architecture, and Music" and "Popular Amusements" illustrate the vast entertainment options, from colossal buildings and sculptures to carnival rides and exhibitions of "exotic" lands and cultures. Finally, "Remembering the Fair" includes souvenirs and commemorative items. After all, who could go home empty-handed after experiencing the wonders of a world's fair?.

One reason for the renewed interest in world's fairs is coming from the historic preservation movement. Each city that played host to this event was left with significant buildings...