A History of Science Fairs

Back in October, 1828, The American Institute of the City of New York, "incorporated for the purpose of encouraging and promoting domestic industry in this State and the United States in Agriculture, Commerce, Manufactures and the Arts", held its first industrial fair. The exhibition was held in New York at a time when the 416 "watchmen" that comprised the city's "Finest" were busy keeping the streets clear of stray cows, horses and pigs. Travel to the other 27 states that made up the Union was by boat and stagecoach, as the locomotive was as yet unknown. Read full article below.