Related Guides

Popular Cities in Connecticut

Most Popular

Travel Resources

ShoulderSeason

Special Issues

Photo Galleries

Screensavers
share this article del.icio.us DIGG Facebook StumbleUpon

From Primedia Publications

P.T. Barnum Museum

By Christine E. Techky


Phineas Taylor Barnum is most closely associated with the circus, yet in his later years, after he returned to live in his native Connecticut, Barnum entered politics, served on the boards of a variety of Bridgeport institutions, and became the city’s mayor. His many civic improvements included the donation of land for a public park and endowments to the city’s hospital, Universalist Church, public library, and orphanage. When Barnum died in 1891 at the age of 81, the city mourned. Flags flew at half-mast, and thousands attended his funeral. The city erected a bronze statue of the showman two years later, and his influence upon Bridgeport can still be seen today, with street after street named for members of his family.

Barnum also bequeathed $100,000 to establish the Barnum Institute of Science and History, so that the Bridgeport Scientific Society and the Fairfield County Historical Society would have a place to store and maintain their growing collections. Renamed the P.T. Barnum Museum in 1968, the facility focused on topics that related to the city’s history and the circus. In 1986 the building closed for a $7.5 million renovation and restoration, reopening three years later as the new and expanded Barnum Museum.



Located on Bridgeport’s Main Street, the museum building is often called “Barnumesque,” with its unique mixture of Romanesque, Byzantine, and Gothic architecture. Inside, three floors of exhibits, paintings, traveling shows, and even a marquee trace the story of Barnum’s life and his relationship with the city.

The first and second floors are dedicated to Barnum’s career as a journalist, politician, and entrepreneur, and to his influence on the surrounding area. The third floor is devoted entirely to Barnum the showman. Visitors can explore documents, photographs, and other Barnum memorabilia and view videos on his life. This floor also houses an Egyptian mummy, believed to be about 2,500 years old and donated by Barnum’s second wife Nancy in 1896, as well as a display case with artifacts from Barnum’s American Museum in New York City. Another exhibit is dedicated to one of the many circus attractions that Barnum promoted—the 25-inch-tall “General Tom Thumb,” a Bridgeport native. In a replica of his home, where he lived with his wife, Lavinia, original furniture, clothing, and personal mementoes such as the couple’s wedding certificate can be seen. Finally, visitors encounter the best known of all Barnum’s achievements, “The Greatest Show on Earth.” The 1,000-square-foot panoramic replica of the circus is displayed on an elevated ramp. The model is comprised of more than 3,000 miniature figures, including performing seals, elephants, clowns, acrobats, roustabouts, a snake charmer, and a cotton-candy booth.

The museum is the largest repository of P.T. Barnum’s artifacts in the country, and its exhibits and scholastic programs admirably reflect his philosophy of mixing education with entertainment. It also reveals the enormous influence that Barnum exercised on nineteenth-century America, as he brought all classes of people together to be entertained. For more information call (203) 331-1104.