When a handful of colonists declared their independence from Great Britain in 1776, no one was certain how their democratic experiment would fare.

In 1876, one hundred years later, the growing United States celebrated the success of that experiment in grand fashion.

The Philadelphia Centennial Exposition was a world’s fair that demonstrated the young American republic’s innovations in science, agriculture, industry and the arts. The 6-month long event attracted prominent speakers from across the country, including the Republican candidate for president, Rutherford B. Hayes.

With the United States poised to celebrate 250 years of the American experiment, the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums will remember the 150th anniversary of the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition with a year-long exhibit.

The exhibit will share the history of the exposition, discuss its impact on American culture and society and display artifacts from the exposition. Accompanying the Centennial exhibit, the museum will also feature a gallery of artifacts from its collection from the American Revolution in homage to 250 years of American independence.

This exhibit will be on display through Wednesday, June 30, 2027. Access is included with regular admission. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums members and Ohio History Connection members are admitted for free. For hours and admission, visit rbhayes.org.