Research Uncovers Domestic Staff History at Ringling's Ca' d'Zan Mansion

During a 2024 summer internship at The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, graduate student Sofia Paschero conducted research into the domestic staff who worked at the Ca' d'Zan mansion in the 1920s and 1930s. Her investigation, guided by curator Marissa Hershon, revealed details about several employees including Hungarian immigrant Hedwig Tomlinson, the housekeeper, and her husband Frank Tomlinson, an English immigrant who served as butler. Research also identified cook Sophie Collins, who attended John Ringling's 1936 funeral after 25 years of service. The project aimed to expand the museum's knowledge about the individuals who supported the Ringling family's lifestyle at their Florida winter residence.