Created Characters: Barnum’s Transformation
of the Ordinary to the Extraordinary
Wednesday, April 23, 2014, 12:15 p.m. – Sneak Peeks continue with Created Characters: Barnum’s Transformation of the Ordinary to the Extraordinary
The monthly Sneak Peek series continues with Created Characters: Barnum’s Transformation of the Ordinary to the Extraordinary. This lunchtime program will feature artifacts that reveal the true stories behind Barnum’s ‘cast of characters’ from the Feejee Mermaid to Tom Thumb. During this informal presentation, the Museum’s Registrar, Melissa Houston, will explore some of the stories key to our understanding of P.T. Barnum, and using artifacts in the museum’s collection, corroborate or bring to light what really happened. For example, was Albert the elephant really given to the Smithsonian? Did Barnum visit Waterloo with Tom Thumb? Was the Feejee mermaid the only mermaid Barnum ever exhibited?
No one was more skilled than P. T. Barnum at transforming a tale of normal life into the grandest adventure. Join us for a fascinating exploration into the ways Barnum used imagery to sell tickets to see a mermaid, employed outlandish advertising language to make a rock sound as valuable as the Hope Diamond, and created stories featuring people so remarkable we want to believe they are true! Bring your lunch if you wish, and a curious mind! No registration required. $3 suggested donation. Members are free.
WHERE: The Barnum Museum, 820 Main Street, Bridgeport in the People’s United Bank Gallery. Entry located at the back of the historic building
Call for more information 203-331-1104 ext.100, M-F from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.