Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls! The Edmond History Museum presents the exhibit Under the Big Top: Edmond’s Overwintering Circus. The exhibit, featuring Edmond’s circus history from 1900 to 1976, will open Jan 26, 2024 and remain open through the summer.

Edmond was ideally located for a circus overwintering ground because of its location along the railroad and interstate highways. A portion of land along Santa Fe & Kelly was home to several circuses, most notably Clyde Bros Circus and Hagen Bros Circus. Each winter, animal training and new acts were in progress during the off season. Some Edmondites still remember hearing lions roar in the distance. The exhibit features the circus’ history, including artifacts and photographs.

Highlights:

·       Iron cage gate from one of the train cars that transported animals.

·       Letterhead and marketing material from Clyde Bros Circus.

·       Press photographs of various acts hired to tour with Hagen Bros Circus, including high rope stunts and dancing horses.

In addition to the Under the Big Top exhibit, the Museum will host a variety of programming to compliment the exhibit, including a 1940s Radio Theater production on Feb 24 at 3:30. Programs details will be added to the EdmondHistory.org website as they develop.

Museum Information:

Edmond History Museum is open 10:00-5:00 Monday – Friday and 1-4:00 Saturday. Please visit the museum website at www.EdmondHistory.org or by calling the museum at 405-340-0078. Admission is free.