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Little is known of the significant role America's agricultural fairs played in developing our communities when agriculture was our national industry and strengthening "domestic manufacture" the avenue to national self-reliance. In 1810, the Berkshire Agricultural Society (Massachusetts), led by Elkanah Watson, sponsored an exhibition considered the first of the new fairs in America. This prototype continues today with competitive displays, informal learning opportunities, demonstrations, lectures, parades, and celebrations. Access to a unique collection of historic illustration art provided the impetus for a multi-year project creating resources and expanding awareness of fairs. In 1993 The Fair Publishing House Inc., (Norwalk, Ohio) placed their art collection with the MSU Museum for safe keeping, research and educational purposes. Fair Publishing has been in business promoting agricultural fairs in North America since 1880. These exhibits and programs are the culmination of years of research, investigation with this special collection, and work with Michigan's fairs. The FairTime Project is a collaboration of the Michigan Association of Fairs & Exhibitions, Michigan Department of Agriculture, and the Michigan State University Museum. FairTime FairTime is a collaboration of the Michigan Association of Fairs & Exhibitions, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Michigan State University Museum. Sponsors Exhibits and Programs Are Possible through the Generous Support of: Capital Region Community Foundation The Fair Publishing House, Inc. Maas Foundation McDonagh's Amusements, Inc. Michigan Association of Fairs & Exhibitions Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs Michigan Department of Agriculture Michigan Humanities Council National Endowment for the Humanities Pugh Shows/Crown Amusements Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation W. G. Wade Shows, Inc. W. K. Kellogg Foundation and the following units of Michigan State University: Carl Bailey Endowment Office of the Provost College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station MSU Extension
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