Howard C Tibbals

Howard C. Tibbals of Knoxville, Tennessee, is known as a philanthropist dedicated to enhancing educational experiences. His love for the circus led him to the monumental project of creating the Howard Brothers Miniature Circus. This 3800 sf miniature circus, along with generous funds, has been donated to the FSU/Ringling Cultural Center for the Arts. His gift in 2000, which was matched by the state, funded the construction of the Circus Museum’s Tibbals Learning Center and established an endowment. In 2008, an additional donation from Mr. Tibbals was matched by the state to fund construction of an addition to the Tibbals Learning Center which is expected to be complete in Fall 2011. The first floor will showcase engaging exhibitions celebrating the history of circus performance. The second floor will establish the Tibbals Center for the Study of the American Circus and be well-equipped for research by scholars and curators. Mr. Tibbals is the 2001 recipient of the AFP Outstanding Philanthropist Award.