20th Century Circuses in Illinois
Exhibit designed and curated by Holly Peterson
Highlighted here are images of circuses in Illinois, primarily in the first half of the 20th century. The peak of circus popularity in America, according to historians, was in the early 1900s; during this period, numerous circuses traveled around the country, bringing their shows from town to town. By the early 1960s, their popularity had lessened significantly. Because of this change, the images featured here show an entertainment culture that no longer exists today.
Exhibit Content
Introduction
Posters and Promos
Music
Tents and Rings
Animals
Clowns
Aerialists
Circus Families
Sources and Further Reading
This exhibit includes images from historical collections related to circuses. As such, some of the content and terminology in the featured collections may not be considered acceptable and respectful in today’s world. These collections are highlighted for educational purposes, and the outdated views that are represented in some items in these collections are not endorsed by the IDHH. Please view the Digital Public Library of America’s (DPLA) Statement on Potentially Harmful Content for further information.