The Barnum Museum

Cause Area

  • Arts & Culture
  • Children & Youth
  • Community
  • Education & Literacy
  • Seniors

Location

820 Main StreetBridgeport, CT 06604 United States
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Organization Information

Mission Statement

MISSION: To collect, preserve, exhibit and interpret artwork and artifacts that documents; 1)The life and times of Phineas Taylor Barnum; 2)The contribution of Bridgeport, CT, (Barnum's adapted home) to the Industrial Revolution; and 3) The history of 19th century architecture and interior design in the "Park City." This mission is accomplished by; a)Aquiring and caring for collections; b)Encouraging and promoting interest through exhibits, publications, and public programs and c)Presenting temporary Special Exhibitions.

Description

Description: The Barnum Museum 820 Main Street Bridgeport, CT 06604 P. T. Barnum...Entrepreneur, politician, journalist, impresario, museum owner and founder of "The Greatest Show on Earth."™ Only one man had so varied a career. Only The Barnum Museum depicts Barnum's extraordinary life and the enormous influence he exerted on 19th Century America. Marvel at exhibits devoted to Barnum's show business legends, including tiny "General" Tom Thumb and his wife, Lavinia Warren, and Jenny Lind, the "Swedish Nightingale." Explore a complete scale model of a five-ring miniature circus hand-carved by William Brinley of Meriden, CT. Gaze at memorabilia from Barnum's American Museums in New York City, including Pa-Ib, believed to be the first Egyptian mummy ever exhibited in North America. Immerse yourself in the opulence and splendor of a room from Barnum's Victorian-era home. Join others from around the world in visiting The Barnum Museum, as multi-faceted as the tumultuous life led by P. T. Barnum. Throughout the Barnum Museum are artifacts related to P. T. Barnum, the circus and its performers, whom he vigorously promoted and championed. Look for General Tom Thumb's elegant carriages and the plush court suit he wore in audiences with President Abraham Lincoln, Queen Victoria and other crown heads of Europe. Be shocked and amazed at the slightly gruesome Fejee Mermaid, one of Barnum's famous hoaxes and learn how he became "The Prince of Humbugs." Explore a period room depicting the elegance enjoyed by the Wheeler sewing machine manufacturer. Discover Bridgeport's heritage and ultimate recognition as home of the Frisbie.

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