 P.
T. Barnum - Entrepreneur, politician, journalist, impresario, museum owner, and
founder of "The Greatest Show on Earth" - Only one man had so varied
a career. Only the Barnum Museum depicts Barnum's extraordinary life and the enormous
influence he had on 19th Century America. Throughout the Museum are artifacts
related to the life & times of P.T. Barnum, his adopted home Bridgeport, the
circus, and his performers, whom he vigorously promoted and championed.
Marvel
at the exhibits devoted to Barnum's show business legends, such as tiny "General"
Tom Thumb and his wife, Lavinia Warren. See Tom's stage furniture, carriages,
and clothes, including a piece of their 1863 wedding cake. Discover
how Barnum made the 1850 American tour of the "Swedish Nightingale,"
Jenny Lind, the most successful tour of the 19th century and how Barnum became
the "Father of Modern Advertising."  Explore
a complete scale model of a five-ring miniature circus, hand carved by William
Brinley of Meriden, Connecticut. Be shocked and amazed at memorabilia from Barnum's
American Museum in New York City, such as the slightly gruesome Fejee Mermaid,
one of Barnum's famous hoaxes. Learn why he crowned himself "The Prince of
Humbugs".
Immerse yourself in the wealth and splendor
of a room from Barnum's most famous 19th century mansion, Iranistan, and see a
scale model of that home. View the elegance of the ladies parlor from the Harral-Wheeler
house, owned by inventor and sewing machine baron, Nathaniel Wheeler. Learn
about Bridgeport's industrial heritage with artifacts from companies such as Wheeler-Wilson,
Warner Bros., General Electric, Remington Arms, Bridgeport Brass, and Frisbee
Pies, whose pie plates inspired the creation of the toy Frisbee . Discover Barnum's
role in the development of "East Bridgeport" and the establishment of
Seaside Park. Of course, we cannot forget the infamous mummy,
Pa-Ib, the 4,000 year old Egyptian woman. We also have a new exhibit, "Come
One, Come All! The Barnum Festival" that honors Bridgeport's' diversity and
cultural heritage.  Programs
Self
Tour Free with admission
For groups that wish to tour the museum on their
own. 1 Hr. Guided Highlights Tour $50
A docent guided
tour that focuses on key objects in the museums permanent exhibits. ½
Hr. Slide Presentation with a self guided tour $35
This presentation will
highlight P.T. Barnum's life while focusing on the museums collection. From here
you can explore the museum on your own. Outreach
1
Hr. Slide Presentation $100
A slide presentation focusing on P.T. Barnum's
extraordinary life. Hours Tuesday - Saturday
10am-4:30pm
Sunday 12pm-4:30pm
Closed Mondays General
Admission Adults $7
Seniors/College Students $5
Children
(ages 4-17) $4
Members, Bridgeport seniors, and children under 4 Free Program
Fees Program fees are per group of 30. Group
Rates Group admission fees are $1 off the general admission
fees. Reservations are required. Reservations Please
call 203-331-1104 x 106 to make a reservation. The
program fee is due at least 30 days in advance to hold the date. Cancellations
should be made 30 days prior to program for a full refund. | 
