The Ringling Archives recently collaborated with the Sherman Grinberg Film Library to preserve their Pathe Newsreel SIL 955: The Biggest Show on Earth Thrills the Coolidges from 1928. Funding for this project was received through a grant from the National Film Preservation Foundation.
Over one hundred years of circus history is captured in this project. Route books hold information on people, positions, animals, events, and the circus route. No other unique publication offers as much information on circus routes.
221 films shot by circus fan and amateur cinematographer Buster Bailey that capture performances and behind-the-scenes views of the circus are now digitized and available to view online.
Guest written by The Ringling Archives intern Joy Feagan, this post asks what role historians should play in art museums, and looks at how history impacts every aspect of The Ringling today.
The exhibition "A Child’s Dream" pairs historic circus posters from the Howard Tibbals Collection with 19th and early 20th century toys on loan from the collection of Keith D. Monda.
Ninety years ago, John Ringling made the decision to move the winter quarters of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus to Sarasota, forever intertwining the town’s growth and prosperity to the Ringling circus.
The Ringling Archives received a grant to digitize circus route books, dating from 1842-1969. Only 400 circus route books are known to exist. Similar to yearbooks, route books contain information about people and events from the show's season.
