Circus Historical Society Convention 2026

Registration is now open for the annual Circus Historical Society Convention in Baraboo, Wisconsin that will feature legendary circus artist Dolly Jacobs as the opening keynote speaker! Known as the Queen of the Air, Jacobs is a world-renowned circus aerialist and co-founder of The Circus Arts Conservatory, amongst countless other achievements.

Venue and Program

This year, the convention will take place right across the street from Circus World, inside a historic building dating back to 1909 that once served the Ringling brothers as a circus wagon and costume shop. Now known as the Baraboo Arts Banquet & Convention Center, this building will be a perfect venue to learn about the rich history of the circus.
The convention will begin at 1:00pm on Wednesday June 10 with the keynote presentation by Dolly Jacobs. After Dolly's talk, there will be multiple presentations on circus history, followed by a circus history research workshop led by experts. Wednesday afternoon convention activities will end with a reception that will include Circus World staff and circus cast.

Thursday’s program will begin at 9:00am with a panel discussion that will be followed by additional circus history presentations. At noon, attendees will go across the street to Circus World where they will have lunch on their own, explore the museum's magnificent collections, and see a performance of Jubilee 250! Big Top Circus. Click here for additional information about Circus World.

Following the afternoon at Circus World, attendees will have the option to visit a private band organ collection for a band organ concert and presentation, attend Professor Jerry Stich's Original Circus Band concert on Sauk County Courthouse Square and/or spend some time at the nearby International Clown Hall of Fame.

Friday's program will include several circus history presentations and our annual banquet and fundraising auction. The banquet will include the induction of former Ringling producing clown Jerry Bangs into the International Clown Hall of Fame and the awarding of the 2026 Stuart Thayer Prize! The convention will conclude with Baraboo’s Big Top Circus Parade on Saturday morning. A detailed schedule will be available here soon.