Date: 7/20/22

BECOMING BARNUM: The Journey to Fame and Fortune

An Introduction to Becoming Barnum: Interview with the Barnum Museum Curator - Episode 1

Today, we discuss an exciting museum exhibit, a Bound volume of copied letters in P.T. Barnum's hand, dating from July 1845 to August 1846. This volume contains a wealth of primary information dating to the most significant period in Barnum's early career. This book dates to Barnum's 1844-1846 tour of Europe, during which he introduced his star performer, Charles S. Stratton (1838 -1883), better known by his stage name "General Tom Thumb," to European heads of state, royalty, and the public. The letters date to Barnum's and Stratton's travels in France, following a highly successful year in England where Stratton was granted multiple audiences with Queen Victoria. Barnum's letters contain anecdotes of the trip, and information about how he organized the performances at each location, how much he paid people for their services, the venues he rented, and so on.

Learn more about PT Barnum’s Letter Copy Book here:

https://tinyurl.com/barnumletters

https://youtu.be/2KBRqgr_uGQ

Let us know your thoughts by writing a review for the Podcast!

Want to follow and support the Barnum Museum in Bridgeport Connecticut in more ways?

Follow us on:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BarnumMuseum

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/barnummuseum

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/thebarnummuseum

Twitter: https://twitter.com/barnummuseum

Website: https://barnum-museum.org/​​

Click to Donate!

It’s easy and supports the Barnum Museum’s programs, restoration, and ongoing mission to make people happy!

https://barnum-museum.org/donate/

Join as a Member or Sponsor and be part of the Barnum Museum family in Bridgeport CT!

https://barnum-museum.org/membership/

Episode sponsored by:

People’s United Bank: https://www.peoples.com/

CTHumanities: https://cthumanities.org/

City of Bridgeport: https://www.bridgeportct.gov/

Please share this podcast episode with your friends!