Commercial Museum (Philadelphia, Pa.)

The Commercial Museum, located in Philadelphia, Pa., was in operation from 1897 to 2010. Modeled after the great exhibition halls of the World's Fairs (World Fair, Universal Exposition) of the late nineteenth century, the Museum offered a vast selection of displays and information related to commerce and trade in Pennsylvania, across the United Sates, and the international marketplace. The Museum maintained a large collection of photographs documenting a variety of industries, agriculture, and trade in many areas of the United States. These images were marketed for use in publications around the United States and the world.

From the description of Commercial Museum (Philadelphia, Pa.) collection of North Carolina photographs, circa 1935-1938. WorldCat record id: 705902893

The Commercial Museum was established in 1897 by Dr. William P. Wilson in Philadelphia, Pa. Modeled after the great exhibition halls that became a trademark of the World's Fairs (World Fair, Universal Exposition) during the late nineteenth century, the Museum offered a large selection of displays and information related to commerce and trade in Pennsylvania, across the United Sates, and in the international marketplace. The Museum maintained a large collection of photographs documenting various aspects of industries, agriculture, and trade across United States, which were made availible for a fee. After remaining in operation for more than a century, the Commercial Museum offically closed its doors in 2010.

From the guide to the Commercial Museum (Philadelphia, Pa.) Collection of North Carolina Photographs, circa 1923-1939, (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Library. North Carolina Collection.)