P.T. Barnum The Greatest Showman Event at The Barnum Museum

The Barnum Museum will host a discussion about the life and times of P.T. Barnum after the recent release of The Greatest Showman.  The movie by 20th Century Fox has prompted some concerns and requires some clarification because elements are not actually based on the historic facts of P.T. Barnum’s life.
If you haven’t seen The Greatest Showman movie yet, go and enjoy!  If you have already seen it, we’re sure you have a lot of questions about the accuracy so Museum Director Kathy Maher has the answers and will share numerous bits and pieces of history that will set the record straight.
All in the spirit of fun, Maher’s talk will illuminate guests with an engaging journey through many key elements of the movie.  From the depiction of Barnum’s childhood to his final bow with The Greatest Show On Earth, the talk will expand the screenplay and reveal even more fantastic stories of struggles and triumphs.
Come see Tom Thumb’s actual Napoleon costume, Jenny Lind’s piano and a gold medal presented to P.T. Barnum for his dedication to the Temperance movement …that’s right, Barnum was one of the leading champions of liquor reform and legislation.
If you are curious about P.T. Barnum, excited about the movie, or just want to learn more about how the Museum was involved, come and enjoy a fun afternoon that will surely have you leaving with a new and refreshed perspective.  You’ll never look at Hollywood the same way.  Bring your own questions. It will be fun to have your thoughts be a part of the conversation.
There is no registration required but a suggested donation of $5 per person.  The event is free to all Museum Vision Members and children under 12.
For more information about this and other events, please visit barnum-museum.org  or contact by phone at 203-331-1104 x100.
Bridgeport’s Barnum Museum is one of P. T. Barnum’s many philanthropic gifts.  Completed in 1893, the architecturally significant building boasts a unique combination of styles and terra cotta ornamentation, and is listed on the National Register.  Today the museum proudly shares the history and legacy of the world-famous entrepreneur, showman, and museum proprietor, who was also a state legislator, mayor, real estate developer, and philanthropist. The museum is home to thousands of artifacts, many pertaining to Bridgeport native Tom Thumb and his wife, as well as the P. T. Barnum Family, and Nathaniel Wheeler Family.   Their furniture, carriages, artwork and other items are currently displayed, along with a centaur and mermaid.  Since 2010, the historic building has been undergoing repair and restoration due to a series of weather events that compromised the structure.  The museum is currently open for winter visitors in the People’s United Bank Gallery located behind the historic building, open for viewing and tours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays. No weekend hours except for days when events are held.
The original Barnum Institute building is owned by the City of Bridgeport and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.