For Immediate Release

Contact: Kara O'Keeffe

608-261-9596
[email protected]

January 10, 2018

CIRCUS WORLD MUSEUM BEGINS AN EXCITING NEW CHAPTER AS IT TRANSITIONS TO FULL OPERATION BY THE WISCONSIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Baraboo, Wis. - Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Wisconsin is transitioning this month to operation by the Wisconsin Historical Society, under the terms of biennial budget legislation signed into law last fall by Governor Scott Walker. The property, structures, and collection of circus artifacts at the site were deeded to the Society when the site opened in 1959, but until this year the staff and programs had been managed by the Circus World Museum Foundation, a non-profit organization. 

On January 1, five year-round staff members became state employees, and the Society assumed responsibility for management and operation. The Circus World Museum Foundation will continue to play a strong advisory and philanthropic role to engage the enthusiasm and charitable support of community members and circus fans across the country.

“The infusion of state funding, along with the enhanced relationship between Circus World and the State Historical Society, will provide a period of growth and sustainability for the museum,” according to Baraboo Mayor Mike Palm, who chaired the Circus World Museum Foundation’s Transition Committee. “This will ensure that future generations continue to experience and enjoy Wisconsin’s rich circus history. Baraboo is honored and proud to be the home of the Ringling Brothers Circus and this wonderful state historic site,” he added.

This transition occurs as the site prepares to celebrate the 60^th anniversary of the founding of Circus World in 1959.  “We will be rockin’ around the clock to recall the decade Circus World first opened, with an all-new, 1950s-inspired ‘Doo-Wop Big Top Show,’” said Circus World Executive Director Scott O’Donnell. 

Circus World’s summer performance season will begin on May 18.

Circus World is now fully a part of the network of twelve museums and historic sites administered by the Society. 

About Wisconsin Historical Society
The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. For more information, visit www.wisconsinhistory.org.

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