This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
Did You Know About the History of Circuses and Clowns
A concise history notes the word circus from Latin for ring and its use in Roman chariot and horse races. It tracks England 1768 origins with music and tricks, growth with exotic animals, street parades, and the emergence of clowns like Grimaldi influencing the term Joeys, plus the rise of Barnum & Bailey and the Ringling brothers forming a world famous circus.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
England
Joseph Grimaldi
Joeys
Grimaldi
Ringling Brothers
Albert
Otto
Alfred
Charles
John
Baraboo
Wisconsin
Barnum & Bailey Circus