Celebrating the 200th birthday of Phineas Taylor Barnum, born July 5, 1810 in Bethel CT, during 2010 The Barnum Museum will chronicle the life and times of this extraordinary showman and the history of Bridgeport where Barnum served as Mayor. For a complete listing of anniversary year events celebrating this amazing - and sometimes outrageous - showman, civic leader and politician, visit our Calendar page. The original museum building, owned by the City of Bridgeport is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.