About Us

The Circus History is an independent research and educational platform dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of the circus — from the ancient arenas of Rome to the spectacles of the modern era.

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Sarah L. Mitchell — Founder & Editor-in-Chief

Sarah Mitchell is an award-winning journalist and cultural historian with over 15 years of experience in investigative journalism and historical research. She began her career writing for regional newspapers in the United States before joining The Washington Post, where she covered arts, culture, and entertainment for nearly a decade. Her deep interest in the history of performing arts led her to pursue a Master's degree in Cultural Studies at the University of Chicago, where she focused her thesis on the social and cultural impact of traveling circuses in 19th-century America.
After years of research and writing on the subject, Sarah decided to create a dedicated space where circus history could be explored in depth. She founded The Circus History in 2025 with the mission of bringing well-sourced, engaging content to readers curious about one of the world's oldest and most fascinating forms of entertainment. Her work combines rigorous journalistic standards with a genuine passion for storytelling, making complex historical topics accessible to audiences of all backgrounds.