Archives
The Ringling Museum Archives maintains and further develops a nationally important archival collection of institutional records and manuscript materials that document the history of the Museum, the Ringlings and the American circus. The Archives preserves those records deemed to be of permanent historical value and serves as an educational resource encouraging administrative and scholarly research on the institution.
The Archives of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art documents the Ringlings in Sarasota, the history of the Ringling Museum and the circus.
The Archives includes six major collections:
- The official public records that document the history, organization and programs of the Museum.
- The personal papers of the Ringlings, which consist of annotated auction catalogues, business records and correspondence.
- The circus collection of scrapbooks, newspaper clippings, circus programs, tickets, route books and cards.
- The visual materials comprising over 10,000 photographic images, as well as postcards, prints, posters, videos, and films that document the Museum, the Ringlings, or the history of the circus.
- The manuscript collections containing papers of individuals who have had a great impact on the Museum, records information about the Museum and its impact on Sarasota, the papers of individuals or families involved in the circus, and records documenting the history of the winter quarters in Sarasota.
Copyright
Archives staff can provide copies from the collection in many different formats. For more information about permission to publish, please contact Rights and Reproductions at 941.359.5700 ext. 1502 or rights_repro@ringling.org. Access to collections and permission to copy depend on the condition of the material, legal restrictions, state law and donor restrictions. Permission to quote from manuscript material for publication purposes must be obtained from the Archivist as well as from the holder of the copyright.
Hours
Located on the grounds of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Archives are open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and are closed on all State holidays.The Archives are open to all interested users but appointments are required and should be made well in advance.
Contact
To make an appointment e-mail: archives@ringling.org or write to:
Archives
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
5401 Bay Shore Road
Sarasota, FL 34243
Location
The Archives are located in the Education/Conservation Building on the south side of the Ringling Museum Estate off Bay Shore Road. To access the Archives after making an appointment, researchers must sign-in at the Security desk located in the lobby of the Education/Conservation Building.
Access to Archives
The Archives are open to all interested users. The staff and volunteers will provide reference service, give class and group presentations about the holdings and the use of primary sources, and answer inquiries. Appointments are required and should be made well in advance. Address inquiries to:
e-mail: archives@ringling.org
Address:
Archives
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
5401 Bay Shore Road
Sarasota, FL 34243
Archives staff can provide copies 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 depend on the condition of the material, legal restrictions, state law and donor restrictions. Permission to quote from manuscript material for publication purposes must be obtained from the Archivist as well as from the holder of the copyright.
Rights and Reproductions
Donating to Archives
Archives staff are always interested in learning about related collections that would enhance research. Our collections document all aspects of the Ringling Museum. 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 possible donations. In accordance with IRS rules, the Museum cannot appraise donations or pay for appraisals.
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art as part of FSU falls under the provisions of the State of Florida "Public Records Law" (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes). Florida's policies and procedures on public records and records administration are clearly enumerated in statute and administrative rule.