The Barnum Museum

09/16/2025

Remember the First Ladies:
The Legacies of America’s History-Making Women
Join the Barnum Museum for an engaging book discussion exploring the untold stories and powerful legacies of America’s First Ladies through the lens of acclaimed author, White House expert and Bridgeport native, Anita McBride.
Highlighting her groundbreaking publication, McBride will discuss the evolving role of the First Lady and how these influential women have shaped American history, society, and global diplomacy.
Wednesday, September 24 | 6:00PM
Where: Barnum Museum, 820 Main Street, Bridgeport 06604
Parking: Complimentary - M&T Bank Headquarters Parking Garage located at 387 Water St.
FREE! Donations are welcome!
Reservations suggested to secure your seat:
https://lnkd.in/e82NPT7p

05/05/2025

🤖🚀 The Barnum Museum is bringing ROBOTICS to life for kids! 🚀🤖
Thanks to the support of a NASA Connecticut Space Consortium Grant, we’re thrilled to launch FREE K-12 educational programs focused on robotics!

🎉 Join us for these exciting hands-on events:
🔧 Robot Builders (Grades K–5)�🗓 May 17 | 2:00–3:00 PM�Kids will build and decorate their very own robots — and take them home!�
👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/robot-builders-tickets-1338914622679?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl
💻 Robot Coders (Grades 4–8)�🗓 May 31 | 2:00–3:30 PM�Participants will build a robot and learn how to code it to perform basic tasks.�
👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/robot-coders-tickets-1338919366869?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Spaces are limited, so sign up today! Let’s build something amazing together! 💡

Join us at the Barnum Museum for an hour of fun designing and decorating your very own robot to keep! Good for grades K-5.

04/12/2025

🎉 We’re thrilled to share that one of our videos has been shortlisted for The Telly Awards in the People’s Choice category! 🏆

This powerful piece—created in collaboration with William Sarris Productions and RPCreative celebrates the spirit and storytelling of The Barnum Museum, and now it needs your vote to help bring home the win!

👉 Click here to watch and give it a 5-star rating: https://shorturl.at/L1irZ

Every vote truly matters, and we would be so grateful for your support.
Love the video? Please share this post with your friends and help us spread the word! Let’s show the world the magic of Barnum! 🎪✨

03/17/2025

🌊🐍 Have you heard of the Great American Sea Serpent? Sightings of this mysterious creature flooded newspapers in the early 1800s, terrifying sailors and shore-watchers alike. But was it real, or just the product of overactive imaginations?

In the latest Curious People Wanted, Dr. Daryn Reyman-Lock dives deep (pun intended!) into sea serpent myths, legendary sightings, and the fascinating science behind these monstrous tales. From ancient mythology to the infamous Gloucester Sea Serpent of 1817-1819, this episode is a wild ride through history, mystery, and maybe even… reality? 👀

🔗 Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_G_R4lDJJU

📣 We need YOUR help!
✅ Watch the video.
💬 Comment your thoughts – Do you believe in sea serpents?
🔄 Share with your fellow curious minds!

And most importantly—Stay Curious! 🧐

For centuries, tales of sea serpents have haunted sailors, explorers, and coastal communities. But in the early 19th century, one creature stood above the re...

02/17/2025

This , we’re shining a light on one of history’s most brilliant but unsung inventors—Lewis Latimer! 💡✨

Join Dr. Daryn Reyman-Lock on Curious People Wanted as we uncover how Latimer helped shape the modern world—improving Edison’s light bulb, drafting Bell’s telephone patent, and even revolutionizing train travel. 🚂📞💡

His legacy goes beyond invention—he was a patent expert, teacher, and civil rights advocate who worked alongside Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington. You don’t want to miss this fascinating deep dive!

🎥 Watch now: https://youtu.be/inYzELS99TM?si=qj-VsR9oH7b9TES1

👍 If you love history, LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to our channel to keep exploring the incredible stories that shaped our world!

In celebration of Black History Month, join Dr. Daryn Reyman-Lock on Curious People Wanted as we uncover the incredible contributions of Lewis Latimer—a Blac...

02/14/2025

🌹💘 Happy Valentine’s Day from the Barnum Museum! 💘🌹

Wishing you all a day full of love, joy, and a little bit of history! ❤️ Did you know that the history of Valentine’s Day is filled with surprising twists? From ancient Roman festivals to Victorian-era traditions, there’s so much more to this holiday than you might think!

To celebrate the occasion, why not revisit one of our favorite videos: "Valentine’s Day Isn’t What You Think!" and learn about the shocking truth behind the origins of this beloved holiday.

🎥 https://youtu.be/ni1leRIYYhg

Did you know Valentine’s Day has roots in an ancient Roman festival? From the fertility rites of Lupercalia to Pope Gelasius I declaring February 14th as Sai...

02/03/2025

🥛 Still Drinking Raw Milk? You Might Want to Watch This… 😳

Did you know that milk used to be one of the deadliest drinks in history? From tuberculosis outbreaks to life-saving innovations, the journey of milk bottles changed the world in ways you’d never expect!

In this episode of Curious People Wanted, Dr. Daryn Reyman-Lock uncovers:
🚨 The hidden dangers of unpasteurized milk
🔬 How glass bottles helped stop deadly diseases
🏴‍☠️ And—wait for it—a wild connection to pirates and stolen art?!

Watch now and tell us: Would YOU still drink raw milk after this? ⬇️

🎥 https://youtu.be/c2ugtwTUwyI?si=PLs176WrBTiKoAqP

Milk bottles have a fascinating past that changed the world. From their role in combating tuberculosis to innovations like pasteurization and automated bottl...

01/27/2025

🎥✨ Kathy Maher in Conversation with Kim Burgess: Bridging Community and Culture ✨🎥

Join Kim Burgess, renowned community advocate and CEO of VCL Consulting Group, as she engages in a dynamic discussion with Kathy Maher, Executive Director of the Barnum Museum. Together, they delve into how arts, culture, and tourism can transform Bridgeport’s future! 🌟

🌟 In this powerful exchange, Kim Burgess:
✅ Explores how the Barnum Museum can empower and connect the local community.
✅ Discusses the vital role of cultural innovation in driving Bridgeport’s growth.
✅ Brings her expertise in nonprofit leadership and community development to the table.

🎬 Don’t miss this insightful conversation filled with inspiration and actionable ideas—now streaming on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-hZks55IjMI

📢 How do you see arts and culture shaping the future of your community? Let us know in the comments!

Welcome to another episode of Who Is Barnum to You?! Join Kathy Maher, Executive Director of the Barnum Museum in Bridgeport, Connecticut, as she sits down w...