WSHM from the Chihuly Bridge of Glass Native American beaded bags and beads color block Children enjoying the History Lab Time Connector The History Museum and the Museum of Glass color block Salish weavers in the Hall of History

Featured Exhibit

Animals and Acrobats: Circus Posters from the Washington State Historical Society

Ended June 21, 2009


Poster from a July 18, 1935 Clyde Beatty circus at
35th & S. Tacoma Way in Tacoma, Wash., where Clyde Beatty
made an appearance. 
(Washington State Historical Society)

See two dozen circus posters from the Washington State Historical Society's collection that recall the days of traveling circuses in Washington state. These colorful posters exude the charm of vintage graphics, and for many, will bring back memories of excitement when the circus came to town.

Organized by the Washington State History Museum.

Ringling Brothers circus poster
A 1940 Ringling Brothers circus poster, with their slogan "The Greatest Show on Earth." (Washington State Historical Society)
Clyde Beatty circus poster
Poster from a 1935 Clyde Beatty circus in Tacoma, Wash., where Clyde Beatty made an appearance. (Washington State Historical Society)
Circus poster featuring airplane rides
A 1929 advertisement for airplane rides and a 4000 ft parachute jump by the Inman Bros. Flying Circus, featuring the Boeing Clipper. (Washington State Historical Society)
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