P.T. Barnum loved nothing more than joining entertainment and education, and he conceived of the Barnum Institute of Science and History (as it was originally known) as a lasting legacy, a celebration of American cultural and scientific achievement.
The Barnum Museum is the leading authority on P.T. Barnum’s life and work, and contains more than 60,000 artifacts relating to Barnum, Bridgeport and 19th century America. We are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Led by executive director Kathleen Maher – a museum veteran and an industry expert in arts administration, historic preservation and cultural heritage – the Museum remains committed to Barnum’s own mission: growing curiosity, creativity and confidence through instructive entertainment.
