Three St. Louis Fed Economy Museum Exhibits Get a Glow Up

Did you know that the $1 Federal Reserve note didn’t exist until 1963? Or that the U.S. issued a silver certificate series in 1896 designed to teach Americans about history? Were you aware that zodiac sign icons adorn a 100-year-old chandelier in the St. Louis Fed’s entryway?

Those are just a few of the fascinating facts you can learn from three exhibit updates launched this summer in the Economy Museum. The museum, which opened in 2014 at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, allows you to explore the economy and money in a fun and interactive way. Adding to the enjoyment are the new exhibits:

1. “Silver and Gold”
2. “Bank Tellers’ Room”
3. “The Buck Starts Here!”

Each exhibit offers a unique perspective on various parts of the Fed, the economy and money. From early currency to money distribution and what bills look like today, there is something for everyone to learn.

The Economy Museum is dedicated to engaging with the communities it serves, an outreach goal of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

“Silver and Gold”

The Economy Museum debuted a temporary exhibit featuring silver and gold certificates from the Bank’s currency collection — on display in the museum for the first time. This exhibit invites visitors to learn about the history of the gold standard, which means the value of a country’s currency is linked to a specified amount of gold.

Visitors also can learn about the different forms and functions of currency throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s. This unique collection of banknotes will be on display for one year. Featured notes include $10, $20 and $50 gold certificates, along with several silver certificates from the 1896 series. When in circulation, the certificates were backed by silver and gold.

Silver and gold certificates like those on display in the “Silver and Gold” exhibit at the Economy Museum were backed by silver and gold.

“Bank Tellers’ Room”

The Economy Museum also refreshed the exhibit in the original tellers’ lobby area. The “Bank Tellers’ Room” exhibit greets visitors with informative graphics that:

• Describe the development of U.S. central banking
• Discuss the roles of the St. Louis Fed, its president, Alberto Musalem, and branch offices
• Highlight the design of the Bank’s historic building

This permanent exhibit is designed to provide visitors with background on the Federal Reserve before they enter the museum to explore the many aspects of the economy.

The “Bank Tellers’ Room” exhibit, showcased in the St. Louis Fed headquarters building’s historic teller windows, gives visitors background on the Federal Reserve and U.S. central banking.

“The Buck Stops Here!”

Linking the 100-year anniversary of Route 66 to the history of the $1 Federal Reserve note, this small exhibit tells a big story. The temporary display focuses on U.S. currency and how the greenback has developed into what it is today.

The exhibit guides visitors on the journey of the $1 bill, starting in the 1860s. The display has several “pit stops” for information on changes and updates to the bill.

“The Buck Starts Here!” exhibit follows the history of the $1 Federal Reserve note and ties it to the 100-year anniversary of Route 66.

Visiting the Economy Museum

Walk-in visitors and scheduled groups alike are welcome at the Economy Museum, which can provide a deeper understanding of rare currencies, financial decisions, individuals’ economic impact, monetary policy, and much more.

Field trips and group tours and visits can be scheduled through the Economy Museum website. The website offers an opportunity to prepare for your visit.

One-hour interactive tours and classroom programs are offered from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. weekdays. Groups that commonly visit the Economy Museum include:

• K-12 classes
• College classes
• Business organizations
• Community organizations
• Homeschool families
• Educators

There are more than a hundred games, exhibits, displays and videos to explore.