Back in the heyday of Coney Island, Brooklyn was home to some of the country’s most popular and colorful sideshow entertainment. The Brooklyn Historical Society is taking a look back at the history of circus arts as well as the reemergence of sideshows and burlesque in the borough with their program “The Circus Comeback: Brooklyn’s Nouveau Sideshows.”

The founder of the Coney Island Mermaid Parade and self-styled “Mayor of Coney Island” Dick Zigun will lead a conversation with performers — including Adam Realman, sword swallower and dean of Coney Island USA’s Sideshow School, and Stephanie Monseu, co-founder, artistic director and performer for circus non-profit Bindelstiff Family Cirkus.

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The program will take place July 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Brooklyn Historical Society at 128 Pierrepont Street. The event is free for BHS members, and $5 for non-members. To learn more about the event or to reserve a space, click here.

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