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!

BECOMING BARNUM: The Journey to Fame and Fortune

A Bit of France in Bridgeport, Connecticut - Episode 2

Barnum’s travels in France had influenced his vision for his beloved Bridgeport; this was clearly revealed by what he chose to tell the Atlas readers. Barnum adopted Bridgeport, Connecticut, as his hometown in 1847, and after that, until he died in 1891, he had a great deal to do with its development, even serving as Mayor for a term.

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

https://tinyurl.com/BarnumArchive

https://tinyurl.com/barnumletters

https://youtu.be/2KBRqgr_uGQ

Read the Blog Posts this episode is based on: 

• A Bit of France in Bridgeport, CT

https://barnum-museum.org/barnums-park-city-bit-france-bridgeport/

• Piling up the tin!  Barnum and Tom Thumb seek their fortune in France

https://barnum-museum.org/piling-up-the-tin/

• The General’s Clothes and Carriage Stir Up Excitement

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

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!

BECOMING BARNUM: The Journey to Fame and Fortune

“A Touch of Yankee” Solves a Problem - Episode 3

Mr. Barnum was infuriated by the demands of the Hospice Commissioners who expected a far larger percentage of the gross receipts than Barnum felt reasonable.

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

https://tinyurl.com/BarnumArchive

https://tinyurl.com/barnumletters

https://youtu.be/2KBRqgr_uGQ

Read the Blog Posts this episode is based on: 

• “A Touch of Yankee” Solves a Problem

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

• “An Awful Great Fire in NY”

https://barnum-museum.org/an-awful-great-fire-in-ny-in-1845/

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!

BECOMING BARNUM: The Journey to Fame and Fortune

 The Beginnings of Iranistan  - Episode 4

Barnum’s homesickness coincided with and perhaps fueled his desire to begin building a country home for his family. Barnum writes about a future grand home in Bridgeport, Iranistan, just in the early planning stage.

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

https://tinyurl.com/BarnumArchive

https://tinyurl.com/Barnumbooklet

https://tinyurl.com/tavelersBarnum

https://tinyurl.com/CollectionMenu

https://tinyurl.com/trustbarnum

https://tinyurl.com/nywonders

https://tinyurl.com/IranistanFeature

https://tinyurl.com/barnumletters

https://tinyurl.com/iranistan

Read the Blog Posts this episode is based on: 

• The Beginnings of Iranistan

https://barnum-museum.org/the-beginnings-of-iranistan/

• Barnum on “Humbugging & Puffing”

https://barnum-museum.org/humbugging-and-puffing/

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!

BECOMING BARNUM: The Journey to Fame and Fortune

A Mountain of Worries - Episode 5

In this episode, we delve into a new “batch” of the letters P. T. Barnum wrote while in France and sent back to his family and business associates in America.  These letters have a different tone from the letters written in preceding weeks.

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

https://tinyurl.com/BarnumArchive

https://tinyurl.com/barnumletters

https://tinyurl.com/BarnumDaughters

https://tinyurl.com/TomDrawings

https://youtu.be/2KBRqgr_uGQ

Read the Blog Posts this episode is based on: 

• A Mountain of Worries

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

• Plenty of Fun in “Bridgepork”

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

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/

BECOMING BARNUM: The Journey to Fame and Fortune

 A New Play for the General - Episode 6

P. T. Barnum’s famous protegee Charles Stratton, known to the world as Gen. Tom Thumb, was quite a young child when he was first introduced to European audiences in the mid-1840s.  Though he was 5, 6, and 7 over the three-year tour, Barnum billed him as five or six years older to make his diminutive stature seem all the more impressive. 

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

https://tinyurl.com/BarnumArchive

https://tinyurl.com/barnumletters

https://youtu.be/2KBRqgr_uGQ

Read the Blog Posts this episode is based on: 

• A New Play for the General

https://barnum-museum.org/a-new-play-for-the-general/

• Arranging All the Affairs

https://barnum-museum.org/arranging-all-the-affairs/

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!

BECOMING BARNUM: The Journey to Fame and Fortune

 They Stared with All the Eyes They Had  - Episode 7

Have you ever tried to envision a visit to Barnum’s American Museum?  I find it is a feat of the imagination to reconcile exterior pictures of the museum with the sheer quantity and variety of artifacts, animals, and activities offered within—supposedly over 600,000 items

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

https://tinyurl.com/BarnumArchive

https://tinyurl.com/Barnumbooklet

https://tinyurl.com/tavelersBarnum

https://tinyurl.com/CollectionMenu

https://tinyurl.com/trustbarnum

https://tinyurl.com/nywonders

https://tinyurl.com/PicofNYC

https://tinyurl.com/barnumletters

https://youtu.be/2KBRqgr_uGQ

Read the Blog Posts this episode is based on: 

• They Stared with All the Eyes They Had

https://barnum-museum.org/they-stared-with-all-the-eyes-they-had/

• “A Capital Dodge for Us”

https://barnum-museum.org/a-capital-dodge-for-us/

• Well-dressed Dinners

https://barnum-museum.org/well-dressed-dinners/

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!

 Story Updates, and a Daughter’s Education  - Episode 8

Back in Episode, A Mountain of Worries, we had wondered how Charity dealt with a rather harsh letter from her husband, written on September 12th, 1845.  Would she reply or remain silent for a while?

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

https://tinyurl.com/BarnumArchive

https://tinyurl.com/Barnumbooklet

https://tinyurl.com/tavelersBarnum

https://tinyurl.com/CollectionMenu

https://tinyurl.com/trustbarnum

https://tinyurl.com/nywonders

https://tinyurl.com/IranistanFeature

https://tinyurl.com/barnumletters

https://tinyurl.com/iranistan

Read the Blog Posts this episode is based on: 

• Story Updates, and a Daughter’s Education

https://barnum-museum.org/carolines-education/

• A Most Determined Devotion to Business

https://barnum-museum.org/a-most-determined-devotion-to-business/

• 
   Novelties and Schemes

https://barnum-museum.org/novelties-and-schemes/

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!

My Success Has Been a Miracle  - Episode 10

One of the many “beauties” of P. T. Barnum’s copybook letters from 1845-1846 is that they provide insights into Barnum’s attitudes toward money just at the point in his life when he had become incredibly rich. 

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

https://tinyurl.com/BarnumArchive

https://tinyurl.com/Barnumbooklet

https://tinyurl.com/tavelersBarnum

https://tinyurl.com/CollectionMenu

https://tinyurl.com/trustbarnum

https://tinyurl.com/nywonders

https://tinyurl.com/IranistanFeature

https://tinyurl.com/barnumletters

https://tinyurl.com/iranistan

Read the Blog Posts this episode is based on: 

• My Success Has Been a Miracle

https://barnum-museum.org/my-success-has-been-a-miracle/

• Becoming a First Rate Showman

https://barnum-museum.org/becoming-a-first-rate-showman/

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!

Souvenir Medals, and a Snug Saloon to Draw and Read In  - Episode 11

As we’ve learned from the July – October 1845 correspondence between Barnum and his business associates, the Tom Thumb tour through France, outside of Paris, had not lived up to his expectations of financial reward.  The copybook letters begin after the entourage had left Paris, and Barnum’s references to the performances there tell us that portion of the tour was extremely successful

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

https://tinyurl.com/BarnumArchive

https://tinyurl.com/Dinnerwareandtea

https://tinyurl.com/Barnumletter

https://tinyurl.com/TThumbToken

https://tinyurl.com/Sherwoodletter

https://tinyurl.com/nywonders

https://tinyurl.com/IranistanFeature

https://tinyurl.com/barnumletters

https://tinyurl.com/iranistan

Read the Blog Posts this episode is based on: 

• Souvenir Medals, and a Snug Saloon to Draw and Read In

https://barnum-museum.org/souvenir-medals/

• Pantomime Engagements for the Holidays

https://barnum-museum.org/pantomime-engagements-for-the-holidays/

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!

Read & Reflect, Then Do as You Please  - Episode 12

Over the past few months of reading Barnum’s letters in his 1845-1846 copybook, I have been surprised to find relatively few to Charity, his wife.  Though it is clear that Barnum missed his wife and daughters very much while he was in France, correspondence thus far suggests a marital relationship that was often out of sync, compounded by Charity’s chronic health problems.

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

https://tinyurl.com/BarnumArchive

https://tinyurl.com/Dinnerwareandtea

https://tinyurl.com/Barnumletter

https://tinyurl.com/TThumbToken

https://tinyurl.com/Sherwoodletter

https://tinyurl.com/nywonders

https://tinyurl.com/IranistanFeature

https://tinyurl.com/barnumletters

https://tinyurl.com/iranistan

Read the Blog Posts this episode is based on: 

• Read & Reflect, Then Do as You Please

https://barnum-museum.org/read-and-reflect/

• News in a Postscript: “My Present Ideas”

https://barnum-museum.org/news-in-a-postscript/

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!

A Tree Found, Tried & Shook  - Episode 13

Since we are well into “apple season” here in New England (as well as in neighboring New York State, the country’s second biggest apple-producer), the title phrase of this week’s blog—plucked from a P. T. Barnum letter—seemed ripe for picking. 

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

https://tinyurl.com/BarnumArchive

https://tinyurl.com/Dinnerwareandtea

https://tinyurl.com/Barnumletter

https://tinyurl.com/TThumbToken

https://tinyurl.com/Sherwoodletter

https://tinyurl.com/nywonders

https://tinyurl.com/IranistanFeature

https://tinyurl.com/barnumletters

https://tinyurl.com/iranistan

Read the Blog Posts this episode is based on: 

• A Tree Found, Tried & Shook

https://barnum-museum.org/a-tree-found/

• First-Rate Attractions for the American Museum

https://barnum-museum.org/first-rate-attractions-for-the-american-museum/

• “Illusions” at the American Museum

https://barnum-museum.org/illusions-at-the-american-museum/

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!

“The Laborer is Worthy of his Hire”  - Episode 14

In previous letters we’ve gotten to know some of the key staff members of P. T. Barnum’s team at the American Museum in New York, by piecing together details from the letters Barnum wrote in France.  Learning about their responsibilities and gaining insights into their personalities—at least, insofar as we can infer this from Barnum’s correspondence—has been an intriguing process.

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

https://tinyurl.com/BarnumArchive

https://tinyurl.com/Dinnerwareandtea

https://tinyurl.com/Barnumletter

https://tinyurl.com/TThumbToken

https://tinyurl.com/Sherwoodletter

https://tinyurl.com/nywonders

https://tinyurl.com/IranistanFeature

https://tinyurl.com/barnumletters

https://tinyurl.com/iranistan

Read the Blog Posts this episode is based on: 

• “The Laborer is Worthy of his Hire”

https://barnum-museum.org/the-laborer-is-worthy-of-his-hire/

• “A Heart to Feel for Others More”

https://barnum-museum.org/a-heart-to-feel-for-others-more/

• Hard Feelings about “Soft Soap”

https://barnum-museum.org/hard-feelings-about-soft-soap/

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!

Barnum & Catlin  - Episode 15

In this episode we’ll explore the connection between P. T. Barnum and another famous showman, a lawyer-turned-artist, George Catlin.  Catlin’s early 19th century portraits of Native Americans are his most famous legacy, but like Barnum he possessed the determination to seek success in many arenas.

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

https://tinyurl.com/BarnumArchive

https://tinyurl.com/Dinnerwareandtea

https://tinyurl.com/Barnumletter

https://tinyurl.com/TThumbToken

https://tinyurl.com/Sherwoodletter

https://tinyurl.com/nywonders

https://tinyurl.com/IranistanFeature

https://tinyurl.com/barnumletters

https://tinyurl.com/iranistan

Read the Blog Post this episode is based on: 

• Barnum & Catlin

https://barnum-museum.org/barnum-and-catlin/

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!

Trumpets, “Venus,” and a Young Man, All Heading to America  - Episode 16

In this Episode of Becoming Barnum,  we’ll follow up on the status of new attractions Barnum planned for his American Museum in New York, and learn about another of his “good turns” to help out a friend.  The latter is mainly interesting for the window it provides on Barnum’s views of America as he explains them to the London-based “Mr. and Mrs. Collins.”  The Collins, Barnum told his museum manager, are “the best friends I have in Europe.” 

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

https://tinyurl.com/BarnumArchive

https://tinyurl.com/Dinnerwareandtea

https://tinyurl.com/Barnumletter

https://tinyurl.com/TThumbToken

https://tinyurl.com/Sherwoodletter

https://tinyurl.com/nywonders

https://tinyurl.com/IranistanFeature

https://tinyurl.com/barnumletters

https://tinyurl.com/iranistan

Read the Blog Post this episode is based on: 

• Trumpets, “Venus,” and a Young Man, All Heading to America

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

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!

My Mind is Occupied with Thoughts of Home  - Episode 17

In this Episode of Becoming Barnum, it feels most fitting to highlight P. T. Barnum’s letters home to his wife, sister, and daughter.  These letters were composed in the mid-November 1845 timeframe we have been exploring, when Barnum was in Paris.  In almost every letter, whether to family or business associates, we see the refrain that he anticipated sailing home to America in the new year along with Gen. Tom Thumb‘s entourage.  However, because the profitability of business was unpredictable, he cautioned that he might not return for some months to come.  Barnum hoped the General’s performances would be a hit in Paris, and more so in London over the holiday season, but after that it would be a game of “wait and see” in regard to planning another tour of the British Isles.  The downside to his potential financial success would mean staying overseas longer, which would prolong the feelings of homesickness.

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

https://tinyurl.com/BarnumArchive

https://tinyurl.com/Dinnerwareandtea

https://tinyurl.com/Barnumletter

https://tinyurl.com/TThumbToken

https://tinyurl.com/Sherwoodletter

https://tinyurl.com/nywonders

https://tinyurl.com/IranistanFeature

https://tinyurl.com/barnumletters

https://tinyurl.com/iranistan

Read the Blog Post this episode is based on: 

• My Mind is Occupied with Thoughts of Home

https://barnum-museum.org/my-mind-is-occupied/

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!

Tell Me Plainly What You Think  - Episode 18

This episode of Becoming Barnum discusses another uncomfortable truth about showing human beings as curiosities, as we learn directly from Barnum. This letter came up in the same November 1845 timeframe as the letter with his proposal to Catlin. Still, it warrants a separate discussion concerning the exhibition of people with genetic abnormalities. To be sure, this topic is complex and not something we would hope to be discussing. At the same time, exploring Barnum’s family and business relationships in these letters is exciting if we skip over the hard stuff on this journey to discover the man P. T. Barnum as he was in his mid-thirties, through his own words.

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

https://tinyurl.com/BarnumArchive

https://tinyurl.com/Dinnerwareandtea

https://tinyurl.com/Barnumletter

https://tinyurl.com/TThumbToken

https://tinyurl.com/Sherwoodletter

https://tinyurl.com/nywonders

https://tinyurl.com/IranistanFeature

https://tinyurl.com/barnumletters

https://tinyurl.com/iranistan

Read the Blog Post this episode is based on: 

• Tell Me Plainly What You Think

https://barnum-museum.org/tell-me-plainly-what-you-think/

• Plans Good and Bad

https://barnum-museum.org/plans-good-and-bad/

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!

A Jolly Lot of Brother Showman  - Episode 19

This episode of Becoming Barnum discusses some of his lengthy epistles to the Editors of the New York Atlas, for whom Barnum was acting as a foreign correspondent. This week we think listeners  will particularly enjoy for the information about circus and menagerie showmen, as well as other famous entertainers whose names would be familiar to many in Barnum’s time.

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

https://tinyurl.com/BarnumArchive

https://tinyurl.com/Dinnerwareandtea

https://tinyurl.com/Barnumletter

https://tinyurl.com/TThumbToken

https://tinyurl.com/Sherwoodletter

https://tinyurl.com/nywonders

https://tinyurl.com/IranistanFeature

https://tinyurl.com/barnumletters

https://tinyurl.com/iranistan

Read the Blog Post this episode is based on: 

• A Jolly Lot of Brother Showman

https://barnum-museum.org/a-jolly-lot-of-brother-showmen/

• Grand Agent Yankee Showman

https://barnum-museum.org/the-grand-agent-of-yankee-showmen/

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!

We Have Got Quite Territory Enough  - Episode 20

This episode of Becoming Barnum discusses letters containing political remarks and comments about war—content somewhat different from what we’ve seen up to this point. Barnum was not referring to the Mexican-American War. Still, there is a connection between the Mexican-American War and the potential war with England that he was writing about—a war that didn’t happen, thankfully.

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

https://tinyurl.com/BarnumArchive

https://tinyurl.com/Dinnerwareandtea

https://tinyurl.com/Barnumletter

https://tinyurl.com/TThumbToken

https://tinyurl.com/Sherwoodletter

https://tinyurl.com/nywonders

https://tinyurl.com/IranistanFeature

https://tinyurl.com/barnumletters

https://tinyurl.com/iranistan

Read the Blog Post this episode is based on: 

• We Have Got Quite Territory Enough

https://barnum-museum.org/we-have-got-quite-territory-enough/

• Kings and Queens and Talk of Many Things

https://barnum-museum.org/kings-and-queens-and-talk-of-many-things/

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!

The Old American is Bound to Do Wonders Yet  - Episode 21

This episode of Becoming Barnum discusses letters at the end of November 1845; P. T. Barnum's wide-ranging ambitions seem tamped down a bit, at least insofar as his communication to his American Museum manager Fordyce Hitchcock tells us. While it can probably never be said that Barnum was "content" with things as they stood in business matters, he seemed to be relatively so concerned about the museum at this time. He was anxious to withdraw from the speculations he had suggested to Hitchcock in previous letters. Perhaps this was due to his homesickness, ambiguous state of health, and the uncertainty of making another large "pile of tin" for the second time in England. Even in Paris, going before King Louis-Philippe had only gained them "lots of glory—but we don't make any money," as he admitted to Hitchcock. 

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

https://tinyurl.com/BarnumArchive

https://tinyurl.com/Dinnerwareandtea

https://tinyurl.com/Barnumletter

https://tinyurl.com/TThumbToken

https://tinyurl.com/Sherwoodletter

https://tinyurl.com/nywonders

https://tinyurl.com/IranistanFeature

https://tinyurl.com/barnumletters

https://tinyurl.com/iranistan

Read the Blog Post this episode is based on: 

• The Old American is Bound to Do Wonders Yet

https://barnum-museum.org/the-old-american-is-bound-to-do-wonders-yet/

• Pancakes & Short Cakes & Oysters

https://barnum-museum.org/pancakes-short-cakes-oysters/

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!

Last Letters from France   - Episode 22

This episode of Becoming Barnum, Barnum sits  down to write letters to various family members, plus one to his museum manager who was “like family” to Barnum, and another to the father of Gen. Tom Thumb, Sherwood Stratton, who was still in Paris.  Taking the opportunity to write that day was smart as Barnum would be able to get the U.S.-bound letters on a steamship quickly, and because once he got to London, his time would be consumed with the arrangements for Tom Thumb’s performances.  The family correspondence includes letters to his wife Charity, and to each of their daughters, his half-brother Philo, and his niece Minerva, plus a message of instructions to his sister Cordelia who was then living with Charity.  This is the first time we’ve seen a letter to his mother in the copybook!

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

https://tinyurl.com/BarnumArchive

https://tinyurl.com/Dinnerwareandtea

https://tinyurl.com/Barnumletter

https://tinyurl.com/TThumbToken

https://tinyurl.com/Sherwoodletter

https://tinyurl.com/nywonders

https://tinyurl.com/IranistanFeature

https://tinyurl.com/barnumletters

https://tinyurl.com/iranistan

Read the Blog Post this episode is based on: 

• The Old American is Bound to Do Wonders Yet

https://barnum-museum.org/the-old-american-is-bound-to-do-wonders-yet/

• Pancakes & Short Cakes & Oysters

https://barnum-museum.org/pancakes-short-cakes-oysters/

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!

Bills and Boardmen   - Episode 23

In this episode of Becoming Barnum, P. T. Barnum works to promote Gen. Tom Thumb's performances in London using various methods of advertising, including handbills and vans. The episode also explores Barnum's relationship with his father, Sherwood Stratton. Don't miss out on the latest episodes of Becoming Barnum. Subscribe now to stay up to date on P. T. Barnum's journey to becoming the greatest showman.

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

https://tinyurl.com/BarnumArchive

https://tinyurl.com/Dinnerwareandtea

https://tinyurl.com/Barnumletter

https://tinyurl.com/TThumbToken

https://tinyurl.com/Sherwoodletter

https://tinyurl.com/nywonders

https://tinyurl.com/IranistanFeature

https://tinyurl.com/barnumletters

https://tinyurl.com/iranistan

Read the Blog Post this episode is based on: 

• Bills and Boardmen

https://barnum-museum.org/bills-and-boardmen/

• Extra Exertions in Dull Times

https://barnum-museum.org/extra-exertions-in-dull-times/

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!

I Never Wish to be a Millionaire   - Episode 24

In this episode of the Becoming Barnum podcast, P.T. Barnum addresses that he is aware that his wife Charity is pregnant. This information is revealed in letters written by Barnum in December of 1845, only ten weeks before the birth of their fourth daughter, Pauline. The episode also touches on the potential strain on their relationship due to Barnum's lack of awareness of Charity's pregnancy, with Barnum believing that her loneliness and health complaints were not significant compared to his own struggles in Europe and that her low spirits had no real cause.

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

https://tinyurl.com/BarnumArchive

https://tinyurl.com/Dinnerwareandtea

https://tinyurl.com/Barnumletter

https://tinyurl.com/TThumbToken

https://tinyurl.com/Sherwoodletter

https://tinyurl.com/nywonders

https://tinyurl.com/IranistanFeature

https://tinyurl.com/barnumletters

https://tinyurl.com/iranistan

Read the Blog Post this episode is based on: 

• I Never Wish to be a Millionaire

https://barnum-museum.org/i-never-wish-to-be-a-millionaire/

• A Desire to Save the Souls of Men

https://barnum-museum.org/a-desire-to-save-the-souls-of-men/

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!

A New Chapter for a New Year   - Episode 25

In this episode of the Becoming Barnum podcast, A “new chapter” is about to begin in P. T. Barnum’s business life as we learn from a group of letters he composed—appropriately—on New Year’s Day in 1846.  Barnum had just arrived in Edinburgh, Scotland, after two days in Newcastle upon Tyne, where Gen. Tom Thumb performed.  Even in their brief time there, Barnum had managed to write several letters to correspondents in America, but no sooner were these crossing the ocean than a new batch requiring answers was delivered to him in Scotland. 

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

https://tinyurl.com/BarnumArchive

https://tinyurl.com/Dinnerwareandtea

https://tinyurl.com/Barnumletter

https://tinyurl.com/TThumbToken

https://tinyurl.com/Sherwoodletter

https://tinyurl.com/nywonders

https://tinyurl.com/IranistanFeature

https://tinyurl.com/barnumletters

https://tinyurl.com/iranistan

Read the Blog Post this episode is based on: 

• A New Chapter for a New Year

https://barnum-museum.org/a-new-chapter-for-a-new-year/

• An Array of Museums

https://barnum-museum.org/an-array-of-museums/

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!

Going It Like a Rush - Episode 26

In this episode of the Becoming Barnum podcast, we dive into P.T. Barnum's 1846 letters to his uncle Alanson Taylor. He shares his business advice for their partnership in the Baltimore Museum, emphasizing the importance of good systems, press relations, and gradual improvements. He also expresses disdain for previous museum managers and their lack of physical improvements. Join us as we explore Barnum's business acumen and approach to managing a museum. Don't forget to tune in for more insights on the legendary showman, P.T. Barnum. 

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

https://tinyurl.com/BarnumArchive

https://tinyurl.com/Dinnerwareandtea

https://tinyurl.com/Barnumletter

https://tinyurl.com/TThumbToken

https://tinyurl.com/Sherwoodletter

https://tinyurl.com/nywonders

https://tinyurl.com/IranistanFeature

https://tinyurl.com/barnumletters

https://tinyurl.com/iranistan

Read the Blog Post this episode is based on: 

• Going It Like a Rush

https://barnum-museum.org/going-it-like-a-rush/

• How to Do Business in Baltimore

https://barnum-museum.org/how-to-do-business-in-baltimore/

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!

Do the Best You Can for Yourself - Episode 27

In this episode of the Becoming Barnum podcast, we bring you P.T. Barnum's own words as he writes to his manager Fordyce Hitchcock, laying out his plans for the American Museum. Discover his strategy to avoid misunderstandings and disagreements between the two men. Learn about the creation of his popular exhibition "Happy Family" in which he featured a collection of animals living together in harmony, and how he replicated it for the museum. Don't miss out on these unique insights into the legendary showman, P.T. Barnum.

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

https://tinyurl.com/BarnumArchive

https://tinyurl.com/FAMILY-EXHIBITOR

https://tinyurl.com/Barnumletter

https://tinyurl.com/John-Austin

https://tinyurl.com/Sherwoodletter

https://tinyurl.com/nywonders

https://tinyurl.com/IranistanFeature

https://tinyurl.com/barnumletters

https://tinyurl.com/iranistan

Read the Blog Post this episode is based on: 

• Do the Best You Can for Yourself

https://barnum-museum.org/do-the-best-you-can-for-yourself/

• The Secret has Cost Me Much Trouble

https://barnum-museum.org/the-secret-has-cost-me-much-trouble/

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!

A Good Education is Better than Riches- Episode 28

In this episode of the Becoming Barnum podcast, we explore 2 letters from P.T. Barnum to daughter Caroline & wife Charity. He emphasizes the importance of education, particularly the French language and subjects like botany and biology. He also expresses admiration for family members who value education. This episode offers a unique look at Barnum's views on female education and family relationships.

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

https://tinyurl.com/BarnumArchive

https://tinyurl.com/FAMILY-EXHIBITOR

https://tinyurl.com/Barnumletter

https://tinyurl.com/John-Austin

https://tinyurl.com/Sherwoodletter

https://tinyurl.com/nywonders

https://tinyurl.com/IranistanFeature

https://tinyurl.com/barnumletters

https://tinyurl.com/iranistan

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!

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!

Poetical Puffing - Episode 31

In this episode of the Becoming Barnum podcast, Barnum was worried about his employees at the American Museum. He wanted Emile Guillaudeu to create a pose for a pony's skin that suggested motion with dignity and speed, but it is uncertain if he was successful. Professor Swift had difficulty setting up the museum's new projection equipment, but Barnum thought the Physioscope was excellent and urged Swift not to give up on it.Don't miss the drama and excitement in this episode! Tune in now and experience Barnum's journey as he works tirelessly to make sure everything is just right.

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

https://tinyurl.com/BarnumArchive

https://tinyurl.com/FAMILY-EXHIBITOR

https://tinyurl.com/Barnumletter

https://tinyurl.com/John-Austin

https://tinyurl.com/Sherwoodletter

https://tinyurl.com/nywonders

https://tinyurl.com/IranistanFeature

https://tinyurl.com/barnumletters

https://tinyurl.com/iranistan

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

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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!

https://tinyurl.com/BarnumArchive

https://tinyurl.com/FAMILY-EXHIBITOR

https://tinyurl.com/Barnumletter

https://tinyurl.com/John-Austin

https://tinyurl.com/Sherwoodletter

https://tinyurl.com/nywonders

https://tinyurl.com/IranistanFeature

https://tinyurl.com/barnumletters

https://tinyurl.com/iranistan

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!

Imitators & Followers will get Poor Gleanings - Episode 33

In this episode of the Becoming Barnum podcast, P.T. Barnum was managing multiple projects and corresponding with agents and friends in London and Paris. He commissioned copies of two paintings from an American artist in France and hoped to commission a large-scale painting of a pivotal moment in American history. He also had plans for statues to install around the perimeter of the American Museum's rooftop. Barnum relied on trusted agents like Monsieur Huet to keep things moving forward and remained dedicated, strategic, and persistent to make his vision a reality. Don't miss the drama and excitement in this episode! Tune in now and experience Barnum's journey as he works tirelessly to ensure everything is correct.

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

https://tinyurl.com/BarnumArchive

https://tinyurl.com/FAMILY-EXHIBITOR

https://tinyurl.com/Barnumletter

https://tinyurl.com/John-Austin

https://tinyurl.com/Sherwoodletter

https://tinyurl.com/nywonders

https://tinyurl.com/IranistanFeature

https://tinyurl.com/barnumletters

https://tinyurl.com/iranistan

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!

Instructive Entertainments: Early 19th Century Panoramas - Episode 34

In this episode of the Becoming Barnum podcast, P.T. Barnum rented breathtaking panoramas for his museum from a Scottish painter named Marshall. But he was afraid Marshall would charge extra if he found out Barnum wanted to send them to other museums. So, Barnum schemed to get the panoramas cheaply, even considering copying them. Eventually, he agreed to pay 6000 francs, after shaving off 2000 from another artist's quote. Barnum was determined to get a first-rate artist to paint the scenes, but refused to pay in advance. Tune in now for Barnum's relentless efforts to ensure everything is perfect.

If you didn’t have an opportunity to see it at Mystic Seaport or at the New Bedford Whaling Museum you can learn about the exhibition, titled Spectacle in Motion, and see videos on their websites:

https://www.whalingmuseum.org/exhibition/original-spectacle-in-motion/

https://www.mysticseaport.org/exhibit/the-grand-panorama/

Or you can enjoy the voyage via a digital story-map created by Michael Lapides and Christina Sewall–which is a really great way to learn about it too.

https://nbwm.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=19513a5d13964a48aa9d00973c8a9674

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!

I Entrust You with a Small Secret  - Episode 35

In this episode of the Becoming Barnum podcast, P.T. Barnum makes a secret trip back to America to check on his wife's health. With conflicting thoughts about returning home, Barnum's plan involves surprising his loved ones without anyone knowing. While Gen. Tom Thumb and his father, Sherwood Stratton, continue their performances in London, Barnum works tirelessly to ensure everything is correct. Tune in now to discover how Barnum pulled off his plan.

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

https://tinyurl.com/BarnumArchive

https://tinyurl.com/FAMILY-EXHIBITOR

https://tinyurl.com/Barnumletter

https://tinyurl.com/John-Austin

https://tinyurl.com/Sherwoodletter

https://tinyurl.com/nywonders

https://tinyurl.com/IranistanFeature

https://tinyurl.com/barnumletters

https://tinyurl.com/iranistan

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!

Igniting Interest: Barnum’s Views on the Loco-Foco Party  

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

https://archive.org/details/historylocofoco02byrdgoog/page/n6/mode/2up

https://tinyurl.com/BarnumArchive

https://tinyurl.com/FAMILY-EXHIBITOR

https://tinyurl.com/Barnumletter

https://tinyurl.com/John-Austin

https://tinyurl.com/Sherwoodletter

https://tinyurl.com/nywonders

https://tinyurl.com/IranistanFeature

https://tinyurl.com/barnumletters

https://tinyurl.com/iranistan

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!

https://archive.org/details/historylocofoco02byrdgoog/page/n6/mode/2up

https://tinyurl.com/BarnumArchive

https://tinyurl.com/FAMILY-EXHIBITOR

https://tinyurl.com/Barnumletter

https://tinyurl.com/John-Austin

https://tinyurl.com/Sherwoodletter

https://tinyurl.com/nywonders

https://tinyurl.com/IranistanFeature

https://tinyurl.com/barnumletters

https://tinyurl.com/iranistan

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!

The Journey to Fame and Fortune

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

https://archive.org/details/historylocofoco02byrdgoog/page/n6/mode/2up

https://tinyurl.com/BarnumArchive

https://tinyurl.com/FAMILY-EXHIBITOR

https://tinyurl.com/Barnumletter

https://tinyurl.com/John-Austin

https://tinyurl.com/Sherwoodletter

https://tinyurl.com/nywonders

https://tinyurl.com/IranistanFeature

https://tinyurl.com/barnumletters

https://tinyurl.com/iranistan

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!

As we've discovered throughout this podcast, Barnum had a talent for writing and was a prolific letter writer. Before his circus days, he even published the Herald of Freedom newspaper in Danbury, Connecticut. However, his outspoken opinions led to his imprisonment for a sixty-day sentence. True to his nature, Barnum turned this adversity into an opportunity for profit. Not only did he continue publishing his paper while in jail, but he also expanded his subscriber list and shamelessly promoted himself. Additionally, during this period, he contributed articles to the New York Atlas newspaper.

Beyond his newspaper endeavors, Barnum wrote several books. The most well-known among them is his autobiography, which underwent multiple revisions over the years. He also penned a self-help book titled "The Art of Money Getting," reflecting his insights on financial success.

Throughout our exploration of Barnum's letters, we discovered that he rarely discussed his Christian faith explicitly. While he alluded to it on occasion, his correspondence primarily focused on business and personal matters rather than matters of religion, faith, or philosophy. Nevertheless, it was evident that Barnum's deep faith in God served as an undercurrent in his letters, providing him solace during times of worry and anxiety, such as when he feared for the health of his daughter Helen or the well-being of his wife during childbirth.

Barnum's faith was an integral part of his worldview, albeit with a unique twist. Although he identified as a Christian, he subscribed to Universalism—a belief in the salvation of all people. This perspective differed from the majority of Christian denominations, which endorse some form of limited salvation for the chosen few or those who profess their faith in God.

During Barnum's time, the Universalist church was a prominent and vibrant Christian denomination, distinct from the Unitarian church with which it now shares a name. Unitarians rejected the orthodox Christian doctrine of the Trinity, while Universalists maintained a typical Trinitarian belief system, with the exception of their universalist stance on salvation. Notable figures, including John Adams, were Unitarians.

In 1961, the American Unitarian Association and the Universalist Church of America merged, giving rise to the Unitarian-Universalist Association that exists today.

In this episode, we present Barnum's own words on his Universalist beliefs. We feature his short article titled "Why I am a Universalist," a response to an English Secularist's tract called "The Christian Doctrine of Hell." Barnum's article was originally published in the Christian World newspaper in London. It was later included in a booklet published by the Universalist Church in 1897. For those interested, we have provided a link to the booklet in the show notes.

Join us as we delve into P.T. Barnum's unique faith and explore his thoughts on Universalism in this thought-provoking episode.

[Link to the booklet: Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11134/110002:5496]