Since our founding in 1939, Circus Historical Society conventions have been a principal activity of the Society. In fact, our incorporation documents provide that our conventions will provide a “forum to promote circus history and its impact on the artistic and cultural heritage of the world.” CHS conventions are usually held at locations that have some connection to circus history. For a list of past conventions, click here.

Convention 2026: Baraboo

The 2026 Circus Historical Society Convention will be held in Baraboo Wisconsin from June 10 – 13. Convention will conclude with Baraboo’s Big Top Parade.

Registration is now open! Visit the link below for preliminary information about Convention, details on travel and hotel availability, and to register. Rates are available for members, non-members, academics, students, virtual, and one-day participants.

Call for Papers

Proposals are now being accepted for Convention presentations on any subject related to circus history. We invite proposals for single speakers and groups. All proposals must be received using the online form by March 31, 2026. Click the button below for full details and to submit your proposal today. 

2026 CHS Student Prize

We will award a prize for the best paper submitted by an active undergraduate or graduate student who is enrolled at a college or university at the time of the 2026 Convention. The Student Prize will celebrate a paper’s quality of research and writing, applicability to circus history studies, and documentation. The winning paper must be presented in person at the 2026 Convention to claim the award. 

The prize includes a free convention registration (note: travel and lodging not included), admission to the reception, banquet, and all other convention activities, a one-year CHS membership, and a $100 stipend. The paper will be considered for publication in Bandwagon: The Journal of the Circus Historical Society. 

Submissions must be sent by email to CHS President Bruce Hawley in MS Word or PDF format by March 31, 2026. Please ensure submissions meet the following requirements and submit three separate attachments:

• Paper with no identifying information about the student
• Cover sheet as a separate file with the full name, contact information (address, phone, email), academic affiliation, and student type
• Photo or scan of the student ID card

Please email your three attachments by the deadline listed above to president@circushistory.org with the subject line “CIRCUS HISTORICAL SOCIETY STUDENT PRIZE”