The private papers of Henry Ringling North, who helped run the “Greatest Show on Earth” for years, now have a home at Milner Library.
Private papers of Henry ‘Buddy’ Ringling North donated to Milner Library
Unit: Special Collections
Milner receives $268,000 grant to save circus history
The largest grant in the history of Milner Library at Illinois State University will ensure a wealth of circus history will be preserved.
Circus collection exhibit now open
A tiny light bulb, a gold lion head ring, and a circus diorama are just a few of the interesting artifacts on display in the new exhibit in Milner Library’s Special Collections.
A love of clowning leads to endowment for Milner Library
For Bruce “Charlie” Johnson, clowning is serious business. “The art of clowning tends to be underrepresented in academic research and circus archives,” said Johnson, a clown historian who is a member of the Circus Fan Associations and Circus Historical Society. “While clowns are frequently the most popular part of the circus with the general audience,
Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Special Collections
Recently, Fred Wollrab donated his entire collection of Wizard of Oz to Milner Library’s Special Collections to add to the historical children’s literature collection.
Celebrating 150 years of Alice in Wonderland
Lewis Carroll’s famed book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland turns 150 this year. Professor of English Jan Susina gives insight into the famed story that Milner Library will celebrate with an exhibit from Special Collections.
Jesse Fell’s part in the Civil War arrives at Milner Library
The Milner Library Special Collections and Rare Books Room at Illinois State University is excited to announce the acquisition of Civil War documents written by Jesse Fell.
Clyde Beatty Circus Collection acquired
The Milner Library Special Collections and Rare Books Room at Illinois State University is honored to announce the donation of the Clyde Beatty Collection, a gift of Dave and Mary Jane Price.
Rare book collection donated to Milner
Illinois State University’s Milner Library announced the addition of the Robert Graves Collection to the Special Collections Department.
Making it work: Maureen Brunsdale
Maureen Brunsdale oversees a treasure. She protects its more than half a million pieces shelved in Special Collections of Milner Library. And, more than anything, she wants to share that treasure with the world.
