BRIDGEPORT - Kathleen Maher, executive director, The Barnum Museum, will present "The Real Story about the Reel Story," at 2 p.m. Jan. 28.
The recent release of The Greatest Showman by 20th Century Fox has prompted some concerns and requires some clarification because elements of the motion picture are not actually based on the historic facts of P.T. Barnum's life.
 |
| P.T. Barnum |
If you haven’t seen The Greatest Showman movie yet, go and enjoy!
If you have already seen it, we are sure you have a lot of questions about the accuracy of P.T. Barnum’s life and times.
Maher has the answers and will share numerous bits and pieces of history that will set the record straight.
If you have already seen it, we are sure you have a lot of questions about the accuracy of P.T. Barnum’s life and times.
Maher has the answers and will share numerous bits and pieces of history that will set the record straight.
All in the spirit of fun, Maher's talk will illuminate guests with an engaging journey through many key elements of the movie.
From the depiction of Barnum’s childhood to his final bow with The Greatest Show On Earth, the talk will expand the screenplay and reveal even more fantastic stories of struggles and triumphs.
From the depiction of Barnum’s childhood to his final bow with The Greatest Show On Earth, the talk will expand the screenplay and reveal even more fantastic stories of struggles and triumphs.
Consider this a Spoiler Alert. As portrayed in the movie, Barnum had a hard childhood. Maher is happy to say he (Barnum) “actually had a very pleasant childhood growing up in Bethel and recounts many happy moments of his youth in his autobiography. And as many folks in Connecticut know, there is no ‘beach’ in Bethel. So there are all kinds of liberties taken with the screenplay.
Many, many plots are an entanglement of truths and moments throughout his life.
The hour and 45-minute movie is really about 50 years of his long and busy life … and his daughters don’t age.”
Many, many plots are an entanglement of truths and moments throughout his life.
The hour and 45-minute movie is really about 50 years of his long and busy life … and his daughters don’t age.”
Come see Tom Thumb’s actual Napoleon costume, Jenny Lind’s piano and a gold medal presented to P.T. Barnum for his dedication to the Temperance movement …that’s right, Barnum was one of the leading champions of liquor reform and legislation.
If you are curious about P.T. Barnum, excited about the movie, or just want to learn more about how the Museum was involved, come and enjoy a fun afternoon that will surely have you leaving with a new and refreshed perspective. You’ll never look at Hollywood the same way.
Bring your own questions. It will be fun to have your thoughts be a part of the conversation.
Bring your own questions. It will be fun to have your thoughts be a part of the conversation.
There is no registration required but there is a suggested donation of $5 per person.
The event is free to all Museum Vision Members and children under 12.
For information visit barnum-museum.org or call 203-331-1104 x100.
The event is free to all Museum Vision Members and children under 12.
For information visit barnum-museum.org or call 203-331-1104 x100.
About the Barnum Museum:
Bridgeport’s Barnum Museum is one of P.T. Barnum’s many philanthropic gifts.
Completed in 1893, the architecturally significant building boasts a unique combination of styles and terra cotta ornamentation, and is listed on the National Register.
Today the museum proudly shares the history and legacy of the world-famous entrepreneur, showman, and museum proprietor, who was also a state legislator, mayor, real estate developer, and philanthropist. The museum is home to thousands of artifacts, many pertaining to Bridgeport native Tom Thumb and his wife, as well as the P. T. Barnum Family, and Nathaniel Wheeler Family.
Their furniture, carriages, artwork, and other items are currently displayed, along with a centaur and mermaid.
Since 2010, the historic building has been undergoing repair and restoration due to a series of weather events that compromised the structure.
The museum at 820 Main St. is open for winter visitors in the People’s United Bank Gallery located behind the historic building, open for viewing and tours from 11 a.m-3 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays.
No weekend hours except for days when events are held.
Completed in 1893, the architecturally significant building boasts a unique combination of styles and terra cotta ornamentation, and is listed on the National Register.
Today the museum proudly shares the history and legacy of the world-famous entrepreneur, showman, and museum proprietor, who was also a state legislator, mayor, real estate developer, and philanthropist. The museum is home to thousands of artifacts, many pertaining to Bridgeport native Tom Thumb and his wife, as well as the P. T. Barnum Family, and Nathaniel Wheeler Family.
Their furniture, carriages, artwork, and other items are currently displayed, along with a centaur and mermaid.
Since 2010, the historic building has been undergoing repair and restoration due to a series of weather events that compromised the structure.
The museum at 820 Main St. is open for winter visitors in the People’s United Bank Gallery located behind the historic building, open for viewing and tours from 11 a.m-3 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays.
No weekend hours except for days when events are held.
The original Barnum Institute building is owned by the City of Bridgeport and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
No comments:
Post a Comment