The Barnum Museum-Bridgeport, Connecticut

All Events held at The Barnum Museum
are free with Museum admission unless otherwise noted

P.T. Barnum's impact reaches deep into our American heritage and the story of his vast contributions are preserved in his museum. Conceived and constructed by P.T. Barnum, The Barnum Museum has proudly served an international audience since 1893 and is one of our country's greatest national treasures.

We invite you to join us as we celebrate a year of wonderful and engaging programs, exhibitions and activities, all surrounding the 200th birthday of this fascinating figure in our history.

Celebrating the Spirit of P.T. Barnum
Energy, Vitality, Balance
David Millen Sculpture Exhibition

Through Sunday, January 2, 2011
Daily museum hours

Presented at The Barnum Museum

Enjoy the lively, wonderful sculptures of North Haven Connecticut artist David Millen as the Museum features a selection of his circus themed creations. In the words of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, "The world of reality has its limits; the world of imagination is boundless." A celebration of the boundless human spirit, the exhibition is a timeless combination of old and new, classical in structure, yet elegant in simplicity and form.

The exhibit will be free during this time when the core exhibitions are closed due to damage from the June 24 tornado, but donations of any amount are truly appreciated.

September 2010

Saturday, September 11
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

From Andrew Jackson to Michael Jackson: P.T. Barnum and the American Cult of Celebrity

Presented at The Barnum Museum

Mark J. Schenker is an Associate Dean of Yale College and Dean of Academic Affairs. He has taught literature courses at Yale, Hartford's Trinity College, Columbia University and New York University. His field of specialty is Victorian literature, in which he received his Ph.D. from Columbia University.

Dean Schenker has led book discussions on a wide range of topics in Connecticut libraries for over 20 years and for more than a decade he has led a monthly book discussion at the Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library in Branford. He has also given numerous lectures on writers and their works at public libraries and other venues throughout Connecticut. He was the recipient of the 2001 Wilbur Cross Award for Outstanding Humanities Scholar. His talk is made possible by the Connecticut Humanities Council. General Admission.

Saturday, September 11
2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

The Man, the Myth, the Legend: P.T. Barnum Highlights Tour

Canceled due to Tornado Damage.

Saturday, September 18 and Sunday, September 19

Bethel, CT Celebrates P.T. Barnum!

Bethel CT, Carnival of Clowns! Parade ~ Walking Tours ~ Ivy Island Tour ~ Movie Showing ~ Unveiling of P.T. Barnum Statue

Saturday, September 25
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

How to Pull Off a Sort of Successful Archaeological Hoax: The Sordid but Silly Tale of the Cardiff Giant

Presented at The Barnum Museum

One of the most intriguing mythologies about P.T. Barnum is did he or did he not actually utter the infamous words, "There's a sucker born every minute." Join us as we are lead in a lively presentation by popular Central Connecticut State University Professor Kenneth Feder as we journey though the astounding story of the Cardiff Giant and ultimately reveal the truth behind the tale. General Admission.

October 2010

Tuesday, October 5
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Controversy to Conquest: Barnum the Image Maker

P.T. Barnum; the name alone conjures ideas and imagination, preconceived notions of a man and philosophy. Known to most of the world as the 'Great American Showman', for more than 150 years, the weight of the Barnum name has forged associations of humbug and merriment; the hyperbolic alongside the austere; provoked thought and invited controversy; welcomed the cynic and engaged and challenged the skeptic. Barnum uncovered a world of curiosity and, in doing so, discovered the curious, offered the superlative and invited the controversial. P.T. Barnum was the answer to the democratic dream to challenge the establishment and alter the authoritative voice. Barnum was a thinker, a creator, and an innovator during the age of industry, fueling the public mind with imagination, and often enlightening the spirit to the marvels the world had to offer. His pioneering spirit of promotion and his acumen for business transformed popular conceptions of the era, in turn molding and defining many ideals of today.

Join us for an engaging evening of fascination and laughter as The Barnum Museum welcomes John Strausbaugh of the New York Times, Todd Robbins, and Travis .... as we journey through the Controversies and Conquests of the acclaimed P.T. Barnum.

Presented at The Barnum Museum

Friday, October 8 and Saturday, October 9
Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Green Market Expo - Barnum Goes Green

Presented at The Barnum Museum

Join us for our 2nd Annual Green Market Expo!

Thursday, October 21

Barnum Museum Gala with Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey!

Sunday, October 31
10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Calling all Clowns and Creatures!

Presented at The Barnum Museum

Wear your Halloween Costume to The Barnum Museum and get free admission! Offer applies to both little as well as big Clowns and Creatures!

November 2010

Sunday, November 7
1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.

The Man, the Myth, the Legend: P.T. Barnum Highlights Tour

Canceled due to Tornado Damage.

Friday, November 26 - January 2, 2011
Daily Museum Hours

Celebrate the Season at The Barnum Museum

Presented at The Barnum Museum

Chronicling the evolution of the Christmas celebration from 1850 through 1900, the Museum's period rooms will be decorated in typical 19th century style demonstrating how the ideal of Christmas became woven into American tradition. Explore the elaborate historic galleries and delight in the ornaments of the 'Victorian' age. Filled with festive decorations and costumes from the Museum's collection, celebrate the Season is a joy for all to see! From sugared fruits and homemade ornaments, to glass decorations and electric tree lights, the presentation is a wonderful journey into holidays past. General Admission.

December 2010

Sunday, December 5
1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.

The Man, the Myth, the Legend: P.T. Barnum Highlights Tour

Canceled due to Tornado Damage.

Time & Date TBA

McLevy Green Tree Lighting

Come and enjoy beautiful McLevy Green for the annual tree lighting and festivities! While you're there, take the opportunity to stroll along the wonderful historic streets of downtown Bridgeport. The Barnum Museum will be open during the event for all those wishing to Celebrate the Season and enjoy the holiday display. Discounted Admission to the museum.

Thursday, December 9
3:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Holiday with the Twain Family

Presented at The Barnum Museum

Presented by the Mark Twain House and Museum Curator, Patti Philippon, join us for a wonderful presentation of how the Twain family celebrated the holidays at their beautiful Hartford home. Filled with engaging Twain quotes, and delightful wit, come and enjoy the tales of heartfelt family memories from one of America's most important literary figures. Tea, hot chocolate and cookies will warm your holiday spirit! General Admission.

Saturday, December 11
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Barnum Holiday Fest and Gingerbread Contest

Presented at The Barnum Museum

Join us as we celebrate the holiday season with crafts, caroling and cookies! Cookies and hot cocoa, Victorian ornaments and holiday card making, among other lovely holiday craft projects will be activities taking place at the Museum. Come and learn, or just delight in the spirit of the holiday season. General Admission.

Tuesday, December 14
11:00 am to 11:45 am

A reading of Night Before Christmas

Presented at The Barnum Museum

Part of The Barnum Museum's holiday tradition, a reading of Clement Clarke Moore's timeless holiday tale, "Night Before Christmas" will take place in the beautiful period galleries of the Museum. Surrounded by Victorian holiday charm, the reading will delight guests of all ages. Join us this year as the First Lady of Bridgeport, Sonya Finch, enchants us with the wonderful words from Moore's holiday classic! A gallery talk by the Museum Executive Director will immediately follow. General Admission.

Thursday, December 16
11:00 a.m. to noon

Celebrate the Season Gallery Talk

Presented at The Barnum Museum

Join Executive Director/Curator, Kathleen Maher as she takes you through the Celebrate the Season exhibition. Beginning in the recreation of P.T. Barnum's Iranistan Library, the exhibition opens with the exploration of how the holiday celebration began in 1850. The tour guides guests through five decades of evolution and discusses how our modern holiday has been crafted from 'Victorian' ideals of nostalgia and festivity. A wonderful retreat from the holiday hustle and bustle, the talk is educational and filled with holiday splendor for all to enjoy. General Admission.

Thursday, December 16
6:00 p.m. to 7:00p.m.

Celebrate the Season, Presentation Lecture and Gallery Talk

Presented at The Barnum Museum

Originally presented at the annual meeting of the American Association of Museums in Cleveland, Ohio, Executive Director/Curator, Kathleen Maher will discuss the innovations of holiday exhibitions at historic museums. Engaging and delightful, the lecture examines decorations to family meals, simple holiday decor to elaborate mansions of the Victorian age. The talk will be immediately followed by a walk through the Museum holiday galleries. Beginning in the recreation of P.T. Barnum's Iranistan Library, the exhibition opens with the exploration of how the holiday celebration began in 1850. The tour guides guests through five decades of evolution, and discusses how our modern holiday has been crafted from "Victorian" ideals of nostalgia and festivity. A wonderful retreat from the holiday hustle and bustle, the talk is educational and filled with holiday splendor for all to enjoy.
General Admission.

Tuesday, December 21
11:00 a.m. to noon

Celebrate the Season Gallery Talk

Presented at The Barnum Museum

Join Executive Director/Curator, Kathleen Maher as she takes you through the Celebrate the Season exhibition. Beginning in the recreation of P.T. Barnum's Iranistan Library, the exhibition opens with the exploration of how the holiday celebration began in 1850. The tour guides guests through five decades of evolution, and discusses how our modern holiday has been crafted from "Victorian" ideals of nostalgia and festivity. A wonderful retreat from the holiday hustle and bustle, the talk is educational and filled with holiday splendor for all to enjoy.
General Admission.

Tuesday, December 28
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Celebrate the Season, Holidays for Children

Presented at The Barnum Museum

Join Jaime Knoedler, the Museum's Director of Education, for a fascinating and fun look at the history of the holiday season. Learn how the Christmas tree became such an important part of family festivities and have the opportunity to make an old-fashioned holiday ornament to take home. General Admission.

Thursday, December 30
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Celebrate the Season, Holidays for Children

Presented at The Barnum Museum

Join Jaime Knoedler, the Museum's Director of Education, for a fascinating and fun look at the history of the holiday season. Learn how the Christmas tree became such an important part of family festivities, and have the opportunity to make an old-fashion holiday ornament to take home. General Admission.

Friday, December 31
11:00 a.m.

Amazing Andy

Join us for an 1 hour marvelous performance by Amazing Andy to help ring in the New Year. General Admission. Free for Kids Club Members!

All Events are free with Museum admission unless otherwise noted.

We are honored to uphold P.T. Barnum's
"instructive entertainment" philosophy
and we look forward to bringing you
new and exciting programs and exhibitions in 2009!

Please contact the Museum for Membership information
at (203)-331-1104.