Explore the dark history of elephants in show business.

For centuries humankind’s uses for animals were primarily limited to food, clothing, and labor—and then in the 19th century the use of exotic creatures for spectacle exploded. Perhaps none loomed larger in the American imagination than the elephants captured in Africa and Asia and shipped to the United States for entertainment. Mammoth stars such as Jumbo, Topsy, Alice, and Mary, were paraded by showmen such as P.T. Barnum and his infamous rival Adam Forepaugh, but the public’s “love” was often the death of them.

Today, as elephant populations have faced significant declines over the last century, Dawn Raffel revisits the history of sideshow spectacles and curiosities that continue to shape our relationship with these magnificent animals.

To join | Please register for an In-Person Ticket. Doors will open around 1:30 PM. For free events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. Priority will be given to those who have registered in advance, but registration does not guarantee admission. All registered seats are released shortly before start time, and seats may become available at that time. A standby line will form 30 minutes before the program.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Dawn Raffel is the author of six books, including The Strange Case of Dr. Couney: How a Mysterious European Showman Saved Thousands of American Babies and Boundless as the Sky (set at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair). Her work often explores historical spectacles that defined American culture and continue to shape our perceptions. A three-time NYPL research scholar, she is currently writing a novel about Topsy, who was electrocuted on Coney Island in 1903.

READ DAWN RAFFEL

• Borrow: NYPL Catalog


• E-Book app: SimplyE, available on iOS and Android

Don't have a New York Public Library card? Get one here!

If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or suspect you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, please stay home.

ACCESSIBILITY

In-Person | You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation or CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) captioning service by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email accessibility@nypl.org or use this Gmail template. This venue is fully accessible to wheelchairs.

CONNECT

For questions and inquiries, please email publicprograms@nypl.org or use this Gmail template.

Please submit all press inquiries to Sara Beth Joren at least 48 hours before the event: email sarabethjoren@nypl.org or use this Gmail template.

The New York Public Library's free services and resources are made possible thanks to the support of the Friends of the Library. Join this group of Library lovers and take advantage of special membership benefits, like invitations to members-only virtual events, discounts at the Library Shop, and more. Join now.

Dawn Raffel © Claire Holt