Circus Research
Photograph by Alan Rodriguez
Contact and Access Information
For reference service about the circus collections, and other inquiries, please contact circusmuseum@ringling.org. Appointments are required and should be made well in advance.
The Circus Museum staff can provide reproductions of objects from the collection in many different formats. For more information about permission to publish, please contact Rights and Reproductions. Access to collections and permission to copy depends on the condition of the material, legal restriction, state law and donor restrictions. Permission to quote from manuscript material for publication purposes must be obtained from The Museum as well as from the holder of the copyright.
Donation of Circus Material
Circus Museum staff is always interested in learning about related material that would enhance our collections, which document all aspects of the circus. We collect records of circus performers and workers, small family circuses, and all types of circus memorabilia. Prospective donors are invited to call, write or visit to discuss potential donations. In accordance with IRS rules, the Museum cannot appraise donations or pay for appraisals.
Outreach and Educational Resources
A curriculum guide, Getting to Know the Great American Circus: The Ringling Years, correlated to the Sunshine State Standards for Social Studies, Language Arts, and Visual Arts for 3rd, 4th and 5th grades, is available for teachers upon request. Contact the Ringling Museum Education Department.
Circus Links
Circus Heritage Website
http://www.sarasotacircushistory.com/
Circus Web Links
http://circusweb.com
The Barnum Museum
http://www.barnum-museum.org
Circus Historical Society
http://www.circushistory.org/
Circus Model Builders
http://www.circusmodelbuilders.org
Circus World Museum
http://www.circusworldmuseum.com
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
http://ringling.com
Windjammers, Circus Music Historical Society
http://www.circusmusic.org