MADISON, Wis. – Following a national recruitment, the Wisconsin Historical Society is pleased to welcome Julie Parkinson as the new site director for Circus World in Baraboo. Parkinson previously served as the company manager for the Big Apple Circus in New York as well as in artistic and production capacities for five Cirque du Soleil shows, including the blockbuster “The Beatles LOVE” show in Las Vegas. More recently, Parkinson has served as the general manager for “The Nazarene” and “Beyond Van Gogh” large-scale immersive experiences in Texas and Florida, respectively. Parkinson began her new role at Circus World on April 21, 2025.
Parkinson has a wealth of experience in the circus industry, both from a management and performance perspective, as well as strong ties to Circus World itself. Parkinson will represent the third generation of the Parkinson family to serve Circus World in a leadership capacity. Her grandfather, Robert L. Parkinson, founded the site’s world-renowned Library & Research Center in 1965 and continued as its director for 25 years, while her father, Greg Parkinson, served as Circus World site director from 1985 to 2002. Parkinson herself performed at Circus World for ten seasons in the Big Top circus performances as well as part of the popular “Theater of Illusion” stage show led by her maternal grandfather, Richard L. Berry.
Parkinson currently serves on the Circus Historical Society’s board of trustees and has authored several circus history articles published in the organization’s magazine, “Bandwagon.”
“We are so pleased to welcome Julie to the Wisconsin Historical Society and Circus World team,” said Angela Titus, Chief Program Officer and Assistant Deputy Director for the Wisconsin Historical Society. “Julie is uniquely positioned to lead Circus World’s next chapter given her deep ties to the site combined with 30 years of experience working with industry-leading productions like Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey, the Big Apple Circus and Cirque du Soleil. She has the experience, skill set and passion that we are looking for as we bring the future vision for the site to life.”
In her new role, Parkinson will be responsible for leading the operations of the National Historic Landmark site and the internationally-renowned circus destination. She will oversee the restoration of the historic Ringlingville buildings and spearhead the multi-year evolution into a year-round performance attraction.
Circus World is the nation’s premier circus history destination and home to the world’s largest collection of circus wagons, posters, archival manuscripts, film, photographs and sound recordings. Located on the site of the original winter quarters of the Ringling Bros. Circus, the site offers vibrant circus performances, programs and exhibits that interpret the colorful stories of the American circus and celebrate the extraordinary art form.
For more information and to learn more about Circus World, visit circusworldbaraboo.org.
About Circus World
Circus World is one of the Wisconsin Historical Society’s 12 historic sites and museums. Located at the site of the Ringling Bros. Circus Historic Winter Quarters in Baraboo, it was comprised of less than an acre of land and a collection of six circus wagons at its founding and has grown into an internationally respected institution encompassing 64 acres, 30 permanent structures and over 260 historic wagons. Visitors can enjoy live performances during the summer season and explore eight massive buildings highlighting the innovations, excitement and wonder of the American circus. Visit circusworldbaraboo.org for more information and a list of upcoming events. Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free admission to this site during regular operating hours.
About the Wisconsin Historical Society
The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. For more information, visit wisconsinhistory.org.
