More than 250,000 items added to Illinois State’s circus collection

Posted on January 3, 2018

Original poster art for Sparks Circus used to promote the circus. The item is part of a donation by Herbert Ueckert to the Circus and Allied Arts Collection at Milner Library. (Photo courtesy Illinois State University)

By WJBC Staff

NORMAL – A dedicated circus fan from Florida has donated more than 250,000 items to Illinois State University’s Circus and Allied Arts Collection at Milner Library.

Herbert Ueckert of Sarasota, who has been collecting for decades, gifted a vast collection that contains everything from artists’ original sketches of professional circus posters, and candid and publicity photographs, to clown props and performer’s costumes.

“We are absolutely thrilled that they have accepted our collection and look forward to seeing the items shared and used for educating ISU students and the larger public,” he said.

Ueckert knew of Milner’s circus collection, one of the largest special collections of its type in existence. After spending his career working in the school libraries of Las Vegas, Ueckert said he was drawn to Illinois State’s collection because it also serves as a resource for classes.

“I’m not sure I’ve ever seen so many spangles and feathers in my life. It’s fantastic,” said ISU’s Head of Special Collections and Rare Books Maureen Brunsdale.

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