The Barnum Museum’s collection is astonishingly diverse! It contains thousands of artifacts as well as an archive of manuscripts and photographs. It is rich with curious and one-of-a-kind items, many pertaining to P. T. Barnum and his famous associates, including “General Tom Thumb,” Swedish soprano Jenny Lind, and the beloved African elephant, Jumbo. We even have a centaur skeleton—yes, we do–and a replica of Barnum’s FeJee Mermaid!
Our collection of Barnum’s personal and family items includes elaborate furniture, household items, artwork, clothing, and books that reveal his taste, interests, and achievements. Our “Highlights” section features a few of these extraordinary Barnum-related artifacts!
In addition to our P. T. Barnum holdings, many items from early days of The Barnum Institute of Science and History have remained in the collection, including a 4000-year-old Egyptian mummy, early tools and ceremonial items from cultures around the world, American colonial-era and Civil War artifacts, and biological specimens. Bridgeport’s early industries are also represented in the collection.
We are grateful for support from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Grant funding from NEH allowed us to have hundreds of items in our collection professionally photographed so that you, too, can enjoy them!

P. T. Barnum’s Top Hat
Photo Credit: Paul Mutino
Jumbo
Photo Credit: Tufts University

Tiny Thimble
Photo Credit: Paul Mutino

Barnum Tea Cozy
Photo Credit: Paul Mutino

Tom Thumb's Miniature Chair
Photo Credit: Paul Mutino

Jumbo Pitcher
Photo Credit: Paul Mutino

Commodore Nutt Carriage
Photo Credit: Paul Mutino

Jenny Lind Mirror
Photo Credit: Paul Mutino

Performing Wild Beast Division Poster
Photo Credit: Paul Mutino

Tom Thumb Daguerreotype
Photo Credit: Paul Mutino

Barnum's first Bridgeport Mansion
Photo Credit: Paul Mutino

"Four Special Trains" Poster
Photo Credit: Paul Mutino

Captain George Costentenus Poster
Photo Credit: Paul Mutino

Tom Thumb & Lavinia's Wedding Cake
Photo Credit: Paul Mutino

Pequonnock Banknotes
Photo Credit: Paul Mutino

Pony Phaeton
Photo Credit: Paul Mutino

Tom Thumb's Leather Boots
Photo Credit: Paul Mutino

Yellow Ticket
Photo Credit: Paul Mutino

Family Painting
Photo Credit: Joseph Matteis

Souvenir Booklet
Photo Credit: Northeast Document Conservation Center

P.T. Barnum Portrait
Photo Credit: Paul Mutino

Ticket from a Jenny Lind Concert
Photo Credit: Northeast Document Conservation Center

P. T. Barnum’s 18-karat Gold Ring
Photo Credit: Paul Mutino
