Happy Invention: The Documentary Value of Picture Postcards

The Kirkland Pubic Library and Kirkland Historical Society present “Happy Invention: The Documentary Value of Picture Postcards.” Katherine Hamilton-Smith will present this talk as part of the Illinois Humanities Road Scholar program.

The first postcards were published for the 1889 Paris Exposition, celebrating the completion of the Eiffel Tower. In America, the first picture postcards were printed for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago – making Illinois the birthplace of the America picture postcard.

The public is encouraged to bring your personal postcard and the presenter will be happy to take a look at them and comment broadly on their rarity and value, plus any curiosity she might encounter.

Refreshments will be served.