July
4, 2010 Dear Friends,  It
is hard to express how touched we are that so many colleagues, neighbors, and
friends have reached out to The Barnum Museum after the tornado hit Bridgeport
on June 24th. The devastation throughout the City is truly unbelievable, and miraculously,
no one was severely hurt from the rage of the storm.
The
people of Bridgeport demonstrated a remarkable benevolent spirit of caring, compassion,
resilience, and the City's resolve to persevere and move forward was clearly seen
as Bridgeport's services and community members banded together to assist the many
affected families, shops and business's. We witnessed thousands of age-old trees
and tons of debris cleaned from the streets of the largest city in the State of
Connecticut, and hundreds of people running to the aid of strangers, reaffirming
Mr. Barnum's core belief in the 'goodness of human-kind.' Barnum
wrote after the devastation of one of his business enterprises:
"The
situation was disheartening, but I had energy, experience, health and hope."
 It
is estimated that well over 800 artifacts will need to be reviewed and hundreds
will require conservation. Exhibition rooms require specialized cleaning and carpets
must be replaced due to glass embedded in the pile. A team of conservators, historic
architects, environmental and structural engineers has begun assessing the situation
to determine the scope of work necessary for immediate action, and the Museum
staff and volunteers are envisioning new ways to serve our local, regional and
global constituents as we emerge anew.
The Barnum
Museum is dedicated to rising to the challenges we are now facing in the aftermath
of the tornado as we examine, restore and re-engage the glory of the Museum for
all to enjoy. P.T. Barnum never let his public down, and to honor the Great American
Showman, we hope you will stand with us as we begin our recovery efforts. We
humbly ask you to please consider making a donation to support The Barnum Museum's
recovery. Your generous contribution will provide us with much needed funds. Best
regards, Kathleen Maher
Executive
Director/Curator
kmaher@barnum-museum.org | P.T.
Barnum's treasured 1847 Iranistan Library furniture being moved out of harms way
minutes after the tornado struck the Museum on June 24, 2010. |
As
we proceed with this massive conservation effort, the Museum will continue to
offer programming and exhibitions in our People's United Bank Gallery,
and we anticipate a portion of the historic Museum will be re-opened for guests
to enjoy. Thank
you so much for your kind support during this challenging time.
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