Circus & Carnival Programs

The creator of the modern-day circus was Philip Astley, an English cavalry sergeant major who opened a riding school in London in 1768. He showed off his horsemanship in a circular arena that was commonly used by other trick riders. This type of arena was called the "circle" or "circus." Astley added novelty acts to his trick riding and the circus was born. The circular arena is now known as the "ring."

The traveling carnival was inspired by the midway at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and the events include many of the same attractions. By 1937, there were about 300 traveling carnivals in the United States. Both circuses and carnivals use paper programs to introduce their show people and the acts they perform.

Most circus programs are published in a booklet or magazine format. Besides a schedule and listing of the acts included in the show, these programs often contain colorful illustrations or photographs and feature stories about the performers or circus life. Magazine-style programs are the most sought after by collectors because of their colorful formats and historical documentation of circus life. Values of vintage circus programs vary, but most can be purchased for reasonable prices.

Quick Facts

• The Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Circus asked celebrities to write articles for their programs in the '40s and '50s. Programs from 1953 and 1954 featuring John Steinbeck and Ernest Hemingway are the most valuable
• Special programs were printed for circus spectacles from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Programs from spectacles such as "The Fall of Babylon," presented by Barnum & Bailey in 1890, are valued at $50 and up
• The Milner Library at Illinois State University holds the Circus and Allied Arts collection. Containing more than 8,000 volumes, this is one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of programs and other memorabilia from circuses and related shows