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Why Join the Circus Historical Society?

The Circus Historical Society (CHS) is an organization that is as eclectic as the circus itself! Members include historians, enthusiasts, and show people from all over the world. Whether you are a "First of May" or a seasoned trouper, you will find your group within the CHS!

Learn more about us:

Read the history of the Circus Historical Society

Watch recordings from our previous Circus History Live! events

Download the CHS brochure [PDF]

Visit our Facebook Page

Membership benefits include:

  • 4 issues of Bandwagon: The Journal of the Circus Historical Society each year. This full-color journal showcases articles by specialists and experts from a variety of areas of circus history and provides peeks into the premier library, museum, and private circus collections in the world.
  • Access to online, scanned copies of back issues of Bandwagon going back to Volume 1 published in 1940.
  • Entry to the Back Yard, the members-only section of the CHS website, where you can purchase used copies of circus books and programs, slipcases for copies of your Bandwagon, and other circus memorabilia in our online Bookstore, or update your member information.
  • Opportunities to meet collectors and sellers of circus artifacts and ephemera to share information and expand or start your own collection.
  • Participation in the Annual Convention at the discounted member's registration rate. Conventions are usually held at locations with access to sites of importance to circus history.

How do I join?  Can I renew my membership by mail?

You can join or renew either online or by mail.

If you want to join online, start by selecting one of the following Membership levels below and follow the instructions.

Dues are only $60 per year for US members, $80 for Canadian and US 1st Class postage members, and $105 for other international members.

How can I give a CHS membership to someone else? 

If you are already a CHS member and want to give a membership to someone else, log on to the CHS Back Yard (members-only) section and purchase A Gift Membership to CHS! in the Bookstore. You can also download a Gift Membership Application Form and mail the application and your check or money order to the address on the form.

If you want to join or give a membership by mail, simply download and complete a Membership Application Form and mail the application and your check or money order to the address on the form.  If you want to renew by mail, download and complete a Membership Renewal Form.

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