“The Circus,” a new two-part film from American Experience will air on CPTV on October 8 and 9
“The Circus” explores the colorful history of this popular, influential, and distinctly American form of entertainment, from the first one-ring show at the end of the 18th century to 1956, when the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey big top was pulled down for the last time. As the home state of P.T. Barnum, Connecticut plays a unique role in this history. Before “The Circus” premieres on CPTV, join CPTV and CT Humanities for a free advance screening of a portion of the film on Thursday, October 4th. This screening will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Sally Whipple, Executive Director of Connecticut’s Old State House; Kathleen Maher, Executive Director of Barnum Museum in Bridgeport; and Walter Woodward, Connecticut State Historian and Associate Professor…