History Hour: Revolution in the White City takes a fascinating look at Independence Day at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago -- an event remembered as the greatest Fourth of July celebration in the nation's history. A record crowd filled Jackson Park to hear patriotic speeches and music, honor two Liberty Bells, view the Declaration of Independence, and watch a parade of nations march down the Midway Plaisance. As night fell, the Ferris Wheel was set on fire and a stunning fireworks show lit up the skies above the White City.

Speaker Scott Cummings is an independent researcher and publisher of worldsfairchicago1893.com, an educational website devoted to the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. He serves on the Board of Directors of the International Wizard of Oz Club and has written and presented widely on topics ranging from obscure theater shows to the history of the Chicago fairgrounds. The program takes place July 12 at noon at the Barker Mansion.