Uncover Philly’s Forgotten Failed World’s Fair!
An Author Talk & Book Signing: Thomas H. Keels presents his book Sesqui! Greed, Graft, and the Forgotten World’s Fair of 1926
Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Snyder Room, Grundy Library, 680 Radcliffe St, Bristol, PA 19007
Registration Required (Free). Seats are limited.
The Grundy Museum invites you to an evening with historian and author Thomas H. Keels as he pulls back the curtain on one of Philadelphia’s most fascinating fiascos: the 1926 Sesquicentennial Exposition.
Conceived as a global spectacle to celebrate 150 years of American independence, his book Sesqui! shows how swiftly a massive and fascinating project derailed into a major flop.
Keels’ gripping book reveals how a political machine seized control of the fair, moved it to the mushy swamps of South Philadelphia and drained its budget before a single pavilion was built! The result? A spectacular failure that made Philadelphia an unfortunate symbol of corruption.
This evening is more than just a tale of a failed fair. It’s a journey into the lost opportunities of 1920s America. Discover how the Sesqui became a battleground for the era’s culture wars – over Prohibition, eugenics, and civil rights – where plans for a massive KKK rally collided with the struggles of African American leaders for recognition.
The book will be available to purchase at the event, and the author will be available for book signings.
“The Sesqui is the perfect Philadelphia story,” says Keels. “It’s about colossal ambition meeting insidious politics. It was a disaster, but it’s a disaster filled with incredible characters and lessons that still resonate today.”
Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into an unknown chapter of history that is at once profoundly local, deeply American, and utterly unforgettable. Secure your spot today!
About the Author:
Tom Keels is a lecturer, writer, and commentator specializing in Philadelphia history and architecture. He is the author or co-author of seven published books, including Sesqui! Greed, Graft, and The Forgotten World’s Fair of 1926; Wicked Philadelphia: Sin in the City of Brotherly Love; Philadelphia Graveyards and Cemeteries; and Forgotten Philadelphia: Lost Architecture of the Quaker City. In 2026, he will release two books: A History of the Upper Dublin Monthly Meeting of Friends; and Sinners and Scandals of Laurel Hill Cemetery for The History Press.
Tom has addressed many of Philadelphia’s leading organizations, including the American Institute of Architects, Athenaeum of Philadelphia, Carpenters’ Hall, Cosmopolitan Club, Curtis Institute of Music, Franklin Inn Club, Free Library of Philadelphia, Harvard Club of Philadelphia, Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia, and Union League of Philadelphia.
Tom has appeared in numerous documentaries, including several episodes of History Making Productions’ Philadelphia: The Great Experiment; Philly Firsts on WLVT (PBS39); and World’s Greatest Cemeteries with Roberto Mighty.
A confirmed taphophile, Tom has been a tour guide at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia’s premier Victorian necropolis, for thirty years. He has conducted classes on Philadelphia cemetery history for the Bucks County Community College Historic Preservation Program, Cheltenham Township Adult School, and Mount Airy Learning Tree.
This program is presented as part of the Grundy Museum’s America 250 celebration.
Free parking is available at 705 Radcliffe Street (entry to the car park is at the corner of Dorrance Street).
