Illinois St. University: More than 250,000 Items Donated to Milner Library’s Circus and Allied Arts Collection

From Illinois St. University in Normal:

A dedicated circus fan has donated more than 250,000 items to Illinois State University’s Circus and Allied Arts Collection at Milner Library.
Herbert Ueckert of Sarasota, Florida, 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.
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Ueckert knew of Milner’s circus collection, one of the largest special collections of its type in existence. “We never make a gift without first researching all of the institutions that we are considering, which we did with our circus collection,” said Ueckert, who explored the facilities, resources, and met with Special Collections staff. “After our research and planning, our choice was easy and that’s why we asked the Milner Library to consider our collection for a gift.”
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. “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.

Read the Complete Announcement From ISU
Direct to Circus and Allied Arts Collection
Direct to A Passion for Circus Digital Collection
Direct to Circus and Allied Arts Collection Subject Guide

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