Archives Directory for the History of Collecting in America

Archives related to: Ringling, John, 1866-1936

titleThe personal papers of the Ringlings
repositoryThe John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art Library
descriptionThe personal papers of the Ringlings, which consist of annotated auction catalogues, business records and correspondence;
extentSee repository for details
formatsPersonal Papers Catalogs Business Papers Correspondence
accessThe Archives are open to all interested users. Appointments are required and should be made well in advance.
record sourcehttp://www.ringling.org/Resources2.aspx?id=456&terms=archives
updated03/16/2023 10:29:53
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titleThe official public records of the Museum
repositoryThe John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art Library
descriptiondocument the history, organization and programs of the Museum;
extentSee repository for details
formatsAdministrative Records
accessThe Archives are open to all interested users. Appointments are required and should be made well in advance.
record sourcehttp://www.ringling.org/conservation_research2.asp?id=139
updated11/12/2014 11:29:53
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titleThe circus collection
repositoryThe John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art Library
descriptionscrapbooks, newspaper clippings, circus programs, tickets, route books and cards
extentSee repository for details
formatsScrapbooks Clippings Ephemera Printed Materials
accessThe Archives are open to all interested users. Appointments are required and should be made well in advance.
record sourcehttp://www.ringling.org/conservation_research2.asp?id=139
updated11/12/2014 11:29:53
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titleThe visual materials
repositoryThe John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art Library
descriptionThe visual materials comprising over 10,000 photographic images, as well as postcards, prints, posters, videos, and films that document the Museum, the Ringlings, or the history of the circus
extentSee repository for details
formatsPhotographs Postcards Prints Video recording Film
accessThe Archives are open to all interested users. Appointments are required and should be made well in advance.
record sourcehttp://www.ringling.org/conservation_research2.asp?id=139
updated11/12/2014 11:29:53
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titleManuscript collections
repositoryThe John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art Library
descriptionThe manuscript collections containing papers of individuals who have had a great impact on the Museum, records information about the Museum and its impact on Sarasota, the papers of individuals or families involved in the circus, and records documenting the history of the winter quarters in Sarasota.
extentSee repository for details
formatsPersonal Papers
accessThe Archives are open to all interested users. Appointments are required and should be made well in advance.
record sourcehttp://www.ringling.org/conservation_research2.asp?id=139
updated11/12/2014 11:29:53
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titleFlorida. Office of Secretary of State.Ringling Estate legal papers, 1931-1957.
repositoryState Library & Archives of Florida
descriptionThis series contains the legal papers maintained by the State of Florida circa 1922 to 1957 related to the bequest of the Ringling Estate to the state.

The series includes an inventory and appraisal of the art work and other contents of the Ringling home and museum; copies of the probate records related to the case and filed in Sarasota County; records relating to the transfer of the estate from Executors John and Ida Ringling North to the state, including mortgage releases and note payments; correspondence and other general office files of Special Counsel for the case, Doyle Carlton; files related to the many litigation cases involved in the settlement of the estate; financial records of the estate and the many properties and companies held by it and records relating to the liquidation of these various estate properties; and various other records concerning the management of the estate of John Ringling, the Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus, and the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.

Biographical and Historical Note
Upon his death in 1936, John Ringling, circus owner, real estate developer, and art collector, bequeathed his estate to the State of Florida. Included in the gift was Ringling's valuable collection of art and his home, Ca' d'Zan, in Sarasota, Florida. Due to entanglements on the estate, however, the 1937 Florida Legislature was reluctant to accept the bequest. The State finally agreed to accept the estate on the condition that it be free of all debts or liens of any nature. A total of seventy-one creditors made claims on the estate. Numerous Ringling family members became involved in the case, demanding dismissal of the court-appointed executors, John and Ida Ringling North (nephew and sister to John Ringling) and claiming the art collection for themselves. The State of Florida, under the direction of the Board of Commissioners of State Institutions and the Special Counsel for the case, former Florida governor, Doyle Carlton, sometimes acted as a colleague and then as an adversary of the executors. After ten years in probate, the estate came into the full possession of the state in May 1946. After its acquisition, the property was operated as the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art under the management of the State Board of Control, and later under the Secretary of State's office.

Record Group Number: 000151
Series/Collection Number: .S 183
extent5 cubic ft.
formatsLegal Papers Correspondence
accessContact repository for restrictions and policies.
bibliographyRingling: The Florida Years, 1911-1936 by David Chapin Weeks. Gainesville, Fla. : University Press of Florida, 1993.
record sourcehttp://dlis.dos.state.fl.us/barm/rediscovery/default.asp
finding aidFolder listing available.
updated11/12/2014 11:30:01
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