Cinematic Canines and Circus Stars: Chicago's Most Unusual Cemeteries

Illinois is home to one of America's oldest pet cemeteries and the world's first cemetery devoted to circus performers—a pairing that, surprisingly, connects to the history of film and television. From the earliest days of moving images, dogs appeared onscreen as performers in their own right, while circus and sideshow acts helped shape popular entertainment both on and off the screen. Hidden among the headstones at these two cemeteries are stories of pioneering performers, cinematic milestones, and the tragedy of a horrific train wreck that left behind a legacy of ghost legends.

Join New York Adventure Club  for a virtual exploration of two of the Chicago area's most unusual cemeteries with film historian Dr. Kelli Marshall. Through original HD video filmed on location, rare film clips, archival photographs, and historical research, our journey through these resting places will include:

• A virtual visit to Illinois’ oldest pet cemetery, including stories behind some of the first canine stars of the silent screen and clips from pioneering films

• How early animal performers helped shape Hollywood—and the industry’s gradual movement toward stronger protections for animals on film sets

• The concept of “cinema of attractions” and what it reveals about the earliest years of filmmaking

• The tragic story of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Train Wreck, which claimed the lives of nearly 80 circus performers and led to the creation of a one-of-a-kind cemetery dedicated to them

• Surprising connections between circus history, silent films, television, and modern popular culture

• The lingering ghost stories that have made one of these historic cemeteries a favorite among paranormal enthusiasts

Afterward, stick around for a Q&A with Kelli—film scholar, educator, and founder of Chicago Movie Tours—who will be available to answer your questions about film history and Chicago cemetery lore!

Dr. Kelli Marshall is a film scholar, educator, and the founder of Chicago Movie Tours & Talks. Through in-depth presentations and expert-led walking tours, she draws on years of research to help audiences discover the people, places, and stories behind more than 135 years of filmmaking in Chicago.

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