Barnes Circus posters. (Courtesy the Scotts Valley Historical ... This ballyhoo was inspired by P.T. Barnum’s New York “museum” of oddities, animals, acrobats and moral entertainments.

For nearly 20 years, The Ringling’s Circus Museum has been a highlight for visitors with its displays of old show posters ... bought the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1967 ...