The Circus In America, 1793 - 1940 examines the unique characteristics, cultural impact, and relationships in the development of the circus as one of the most popular and significant forms of entertainment in America. The site looks at the circus’ transition from small performer operated shows into big business. As circuses grew so did the associated problems. The circus developed unique solutions to their problems and these solutions were adopted by other industries. Likewise, the circus learned valuable lessons from industry and used those ideas to their benefit. One prominent example was the switch from wagons to railroads for transporting the shows. The circus shared many of the recurring problems of theatre and vaudeville such as maintaining fresh shows with unique acts.

Project Advisors

• Fred Dahlinger Jr., Circus historian and author.
• Professor Janet Davis, Associate Professor of American Studies and History; Chair of American Studies, University of Texas, Austin.
• Richard Flint
• Professor John Frick, Professor of Drama, University of Virginia.
• Fred Pfening
• Stuart Thayer, independent scholar, circus history. 
• Deborah Walk, Curator, The John and Mable Ringling Museum of the Circus

Project Sponsors

• Institute for Advanced Technology in the Humanities (IATH)
• United States Institute for Theatre Technology, Inc
• The Virginia Foundation for the Humanities

Project Staff

• Professor LaVahn Hoh, Project Director
• Morten Sterling Alexander, Research Assistant
• Robbie Bingler, Technical Advisor; Senior Programmer Database
• Chris Jessee, Media Designer; Technical Consultant
• Felicia Johnson, Project Coordinator, Web Designer
• Chris Hicks, Research Assistant
• Cory Daniel Maclauchlin, Research Assistant
• Worthy Martin, Technical Advisor, Database
• Daniel Pitti, Technical Advisor, Content