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Coffee Talks: Death Defying Acts: The History of the Circus

  • Des Plaines History Center 781 Pearson Street Des Plaines, IL 60016 United States (map)

Barnum may be the biggest name, but he was only a small part of the story of the circus. William Pack takes you on a fantastical journey through the history of the circus, from Phil Astley’s creation of the modern circus in 1768 to Dan Rice, “the most famous man you’ve never heard of” to the incredible feud between Barnum and the Ringling Brothers. You’ll hear stories of triumph, disaster, and the grand adventure of the travelling circus. Experience the story of those who gave their lives to the big top and became legends in the process!