Special Departments in the Government and States Building at the 1884 Cotton Centennial Exposition

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Much to the dismay of New Orleans women, management chose a northern celebrity to head the Woman's Department. However, Julia Ward Howe, author of the famed northern anthem, the "Battle Hymn of the Republic," performed her role with energy and aplomb and proved to be a smart choice.

Suffragists and activists from around the country came to New Orleans, many for the first time, to use the platform and spotlight that the "Woman's Department" afforded. They wanted to enlist southern and western women in a redefinition of "women's work" and in national movements of suffrage, temperance, and advancement. Local women wanted recognition for their ability, higher education and training, more job opportunities, and "equal pay for equal work."

Through the first-ever "Colored Department," African Americans sought full inclusion, equal opportunity under law, and recognition of their skills, ability, and leadership. They also wanted education, training, and jobs. Former United States Senator Blanche K. Bruce headed this department. A Mississippian, Bruce was the only black man who had served a full term as senator and, at the time of the Cotton Centennial, had his signature on U. S. currency as the Register of the Treasury. Although these two departments employed separateness as a strategy, participants were not confined to these areas.

The "Education Department" displayed hundreds of papers and projects from schoolchildren all over the country. It was the single greatest magnet to bring groups of teachers to New Orleans. Tulane University's daily demonstrations of manual drawing classes were a favorite.

Each of these groups garnered positive media coverage, strengthened existing institutions, and demonstrated competency. Participants and visitors expanded national contacts.