With more than 30 years in the museum world, Kathleen Maher is a gifted speaker and noted authority on all things related to Phineas Taylor Barnum. Kathy joined the Barnum Museum in 1998 and has been Executive Director since 2005.

In 2010, the Barnum Museum was struck by an EF1 tornado significantly damaging the historic landmark building, with additional damage sustained from hurricanes Irene and Sandy. In the wake of this tremendous challenge Kathy has been the Museum’s champion, leading the charge to restore and re-envision the historic structure. Under her leadership, the Museum is focusing on new and innovative methods, integrating history, arts, science and technology to create a dynamic 21st century Museum for the future.

Ms. Maher is an active member of the Connecticut cultural community, and an advocate for the city of Bridgeport’s historic and cultural legacy. She holds governor’s appointments to the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Council, the State Library and Museum of Connecticut History and Heritage, and the Connecticut Civil War Commemoration Commission. She advocates and speaks across the U.S. about historic preservation, urban revitalization and economic development through community arts and cultural heritage, and has been featured by major media properties including the History Channel, A&E Networks, Connecticut Public Television, TEDx, the BBC and National Public Radio. She holds a M.A. from New York University and has worked at cultural institutions including the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Kathy is regularly sought and acknowledged by local and global media outlets for her expertise and her enthusiasm to share P.T. Barnum’s story with the world.

John Swing is the heart of finance and administration at the Barnum Museum. Coming to the Museum from Yale University, John brings his considerable experience in large-scale management to guide the infrastructure, policies and people that will grow and reinvent the Museum. John nimbly manages budgeting, operations and board relations in an effort to plan and direct our massive organizational change. He is, quite simply, the Chair of the Department of No Worries.

Daryn Reyman-Lock, Ph.D. is the curator of the Barnum Museum. Always fascinated by “things,” she thoroughly enjoys investigating and researching objects to discover hidden information about their construction, history, and use as well as information about the artisans responsible for their creation and the hands that touched them over the course of their lives. Daryn not only interprets the Museum’s remarkable collections, but also manages and maintains them, ensuring their survival and well-being for future generations.

With over 20 years of international experience in historic preservation, archaeology and museum consulting, Daryn has interests in local placemaking and public history. She has worked with a variety of municipalities, organizations and individuals to preserve, protect, restore and rehabilitate historic spaces (both man-made and natural) to support community initiatives and highlight local history. She has been a consultant to a number of museums and responsible for the reinterpretation and management of their collections.

Adrienne Saint-Pierre is the Curator Emerita of the Barnum Museum’s amazing artifact collection and archive. As Curator, she wore many hats in her job (though never ones from the collection!), but she enjoys the variety and the “detective work” involved in doing research. Adrienne managed not only the interpretation of the Museum’s remarkable collections but their well-being, making sure that historical collections are preserved, conserved and stored under the best conditions. Ms. Saint-Pierre has worked in the museum field for 35 years.  Prior to coming to the Barnum Museum, she worked at the Fairfield Museum and History Center, the Connecticut Historical Society, and the Wadsworth Atheneum.  She has been a consultant to a variety of museums, especially in her area of expertise: historic textiles and clothing.