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The Historic New Orleans Collection

A Fair To Remember: The World's Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition in New Orleans

Grades 6–9

A vintage illustration of women in elaborate 19th-century outfits at a fictional womens exposition, with a leader-like figure presenting books to attendees. A diverse group includes a globe, showcasing themes of progress and education.

Each of the seven lessons in this set focuses on a particular aspect of the 1884–85 World’s Fair, which showcased and influenced New Orleans in a number of ways. Lessons 1–4 explore the historical and cultural impacts of the exposition on the city. Lessons 5–7 focus on how tradition, technology, and culture acted as hallmarks of the 1884–1885 concert season in New Orleans.

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A vintage military drum featuring an eagle with a U.S. shield, surrounded by stars and decorative elements. The drum has worn red and blue paint, with rope tensioning and wooden rims, showing signs of age and use.

Jordan Noble Drum

Noble achieved lasting fame for his role in the Battle of New Orleans. His drum is a cornerstone of HNOC’s holdings related to the conflict and the War of 1812.

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