Since the beginning of colonial American history, women have been undervalued in society
For over 70 years, American women organized and promoted the women’s suffrage movement– largely made successful through their infiltration of the World’s Fairs– and finally earned the right to vote in 1920. With a more solidified stature in society, a group of extraordinary women in Chicago sought the “visualization of the vocation of women” at their Woman’s World Fair.
Throughout this study, the word “women” refers to anyone who identifies as female or who has suffered from the inequities of the patriarchy due to their gender identity.
The 1925 Woman’s
World FaiR
was wholly created, managed, and directed by women and attracted “160,000 visitors, consisting of 280 booths representing 100 occupations in which women were engaged”– it was such a monetary and societal success that the fair occurred annually for three years following its inception.
One Hundred Years Later
It’s 2025 and a lot has changed– though many things still need improving, it’s about time we honor women’s achievements over the past century.
Pioneers & Visionaries spotlights the triumphs of American women in industrial, governmental, and artistic endeavors over the past 100 years while underscoring the historical gravity of the original Woman’s World Fair and the roadblocks that women still face today.
Vintage Inspiration
From swashes to serifs to decorative borders, pulling period-specific inspiration was vital to creating a brand identity that recalls the original fair. I explored type specimens from the 1925 issues of a Chicago newspaper, old tickets, and D’Enseignes Decoratives!
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CONTEMPORARY DESIGN
Studying the modern branding of other museums around the world challenged me to create a fresh solution for this unique event– how do you combine design trends that exist one hundred years apart?
Branding
Environment
advertising
Merchandise
If there was ever a time to bring the American people together in celebration and recognition of its citizens, it is now. In a moment defined by division, anger, and ignorance, it is crucial for the American people to feel pride in our nation’s progress, rather than erasing all that has been achieved since 1925.
