The Rise, Fall & Restoration of Barnum's Museum

🎩 Welcome to Curious People Wanted! Join Dr. Daryn Reyman-Lock, curator of the Barnum Museum in Bridgeport, Connecticut, as we delve into the captivating history of this iconic institution. Currently undergoing major restoration, the museum's exterior is a spectacle in itself, shrouded in scaffolding and netting.
🏛️ In this episode, Dr. Reyman-Lock takes us on a journey through time, recounting how P. T. Barnum's vision for the Barnum Institute of Science and History came to life in 1893. Learn about the ambitious plans, unexpected challenges, and the fascinating events that unfolded during its construction.
🔍 Discover the intriguing twists in the architectural plans, the addition of an astronomical observatory, and the unexpected setback involving a neighboring property owner. From Barnum's generous financial contributions to the museum's opening, we uncover the highs and lows of this historical gem.
🏰 Explore how the museum's purpose evolved over the years, hosting renowned speakers like Thomas Edison and facing financial struggles that led to mergers and changes in ownership. Uncover the surprising turn of events that led to the city taking over the building in 1934 and its subsequent transformations into a City Hall annex.
🌟 Fast forward to the 1960s, where a dedicated group of citizens and leaders initiated a restoration project, bringing the museum back to its former glory. Witness the rebirth of the Barnum Museum as it reopened in 1946 and became a focal point for the history of Bridgeport and the legacy of P. T. Barnum.
👀 Don't miss a moment of this historical journey! Subscribe to Curious People Wanted for more episodes as we unravel the mysteries and stories behind Barnum's Museum. Hit the bell icon to stay updated on our curious explorations. Thanks for joining us on this adventure! 🎉✨ #BarnumMuseum #CuriousPeopleWanted #MuseumRestoration #HistoryUnveiled
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[@laural2842]

A great presentation. Thankfully the people in the 1960's kept the museum alive.

[@kathleenmary1000]

And again in the late 1980s! The wrecking ball was coming to make way for the high-rise next door. 😮 Shocking but true. Wonderfully, the glorious old Museum has always had champions! Thank you for your kind comment!

[@garypayne3455]

Thank you for continuing "Curious People Wanted!" Nice job discussing the earlier and least known history of this gemstone of a building!

[@kathleenmary1000]

Thanks for your kind comment! Yes indeed, even Mr. Barnum's legacy building has an amazing story! Thanks for being one of the community who saved the Musuem! Many generations 😃thank you!

[@DarynReyman-Lock]

Thanks so much @garypayne3455! It was a fun topic to research.

[@fs357mag]

Excellent video! And so very well presented. (It’s refreshing to hear someone without a “vocal fry”.) Happy 2024 to the folks at the Barnum Museum! 🎉

[@DarynReyman-Lock]

Thanks so much for the lovely compliments! (I had to look up what a "vocal fry" was 😁) It was a fun history to research. Happy 2024 to you!

[@mellow.metals]

Lambert and what?

[@DarynReyman-Lock]

Lambert & Bunnell. They were an architectural firm in Bridgeport.