10th Annual Friends of the Cabildo Symposium

Mark your calendars for the 10th annual Friends of Cabildo Annual Symposium on December 9 from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. Join us as we commemorate the 40th and 140th anniversaries of the Two World’s Fairs that graced this vibrant city.

The upcoming Zoom symposium promises a journey through time, welcoming seven captivating speakers who serve as our guides to the enchanting world of these grand international exhibitions. These speakers not only provide a comprehensive overview of the two fairs but also unlock the long-forgotten stories, introduce us to the captivating characters, and reveal the echoes of a bygone era. 

From the very founding of what would later bloom into the lush oasis of Audubon Park to the remarkable transformation of the once-gritty Warehouse District, the 1884 and 1984 World’s Fairs have left an indelible mark on the soul of New Orleans. These events are not merely gatherings of nations but grand showcases, bringing visitors from far and wide to witness the magic of a city twice in need of a boost – economically and in terms of its global standing.

Step into the past to relive the grandeur of those momentous occasions and, in doing so, to understand how a city has woven its vibrant tapestry through the ages. It’s a story of dreams, innovations, and a city’s enduring spirit – a story waiting to be retold.

Symposium Schedule and Speakers:

9:30-10:15am | Dr. Charles Chamberlain: An Overview of the 1884 and 1984 World’s Fair

10:25 – 11:15pm | Derek Wood: Major Edward Austin Burke: Rebel, Politician, Scoundrel

11:20-11:50am | Dr. Michael Powers: New Orleans and the New South on a Global Stage: The 1884 World’s Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition

12:30 – 1:45pm | Dr. Charles Heath: The Band of the Eighth Regiment Mexican Cavalry in New Orleans, 1884-85

1:50pm – 2:30pm | Matt Haines: What Remains of the 1884 and 1984 Fairs

2:45 – 3:30pm | Grant Wong: The Rise and Fall of the World’s Fairs