Matthew Wittmann, Curatorial Fellow, The Bard Graduate Center: Decorative Arts, Design History, Material Culture, looks at how the circus was transformed in the United States from its modest European roots into the gigantic rolling spectacles that characterized the American circus during the late nineteenth century. The circus was the first truly global form of entertainment and American showmen made some significant contributions to its success around the world. The circus thus offers a window though which to explore the global circulation of culture and highlights the extraordinary reach and appeal of American popular culture.

Reception and book signing follows the program.