Expansion and Movement in 19th Century America

This exhibit shares stories of the vast economic, imperial, social and scientific expansion that took place in the United States during the period from the beginning of the 19th Century to World War I and its consequences. This is a story of growth and progression but also of displacement and regression. Some rode this expansion and reaped the rewards while others were pushed to the margins. To tell their stories we focus through three key lenses: Leisure, Identity and Industrialization.