Becoming Barnum: The Journey to Fame and Fortune

Welcome to this bonus episode of "Becoming Barnum: The Journey to Fame and Fortune." In this episode, we delve into the lesser-known aspects of P.T. Barnum's life, particularly his writings and his faith. 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]

BECOMING BARNUM: The Journey to Fame and Fortune 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!

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!

BECOMING BARNUM: The Journey to Fame and Fortune 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!

BECOMING BARNUM: The Journey to Fame and Fortune 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!

BECOMING BARNUM: The Journey to Fame and Fortune 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!

BECOMING BARNUM: The Journey to Fame and Fortune 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!

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!

BECOMING BARNUM: The Journey to Fame and Fortune 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 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!

In this episode of the Becoming Barnum podcast, join us as we follow Barnum as he tries to navigate a problem at the theater and make sure everything is running smoothly. He's also eager to get a play about General Tom Thumb ready for an audience. Despite the play not being ready yet, Barnum is in London waiting for it and writes letters to his friends for help. Eventually, he gets the play and makes a big announcement in the newspaper about the General's upcoming performance. 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. 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!

P.T. Barnum purchased an "Anatomical Venus" figure in Paris for his American Museum in New York. This was a lifelike wax figure, with internal organs arranged in a cavity within the torso, for display and teaching purposes. The figure was a considerable investment and required skill in sculpting and knowledge of anatomy. Barnum directed it to be shipped to Dr. Tuttle for the purpose of avoiding duties and having a medical person associated with the exhibit. The unpacking of the figure required utmost care and was to be done by a medical person to avoid damage or dirtiness. The exhibit was to be displayed in a separate room and with clean cushions.

BECOMING BARNUM: The Journey to Fame and Fortune 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!

BECOMING BARNUM: The Journey to Fame and Fortune 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: https://barnum-museum.org/do-the-best-you-can-for-yourself/ 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!

BECOMING BARNUM: The Journey to Fame and Fortune 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: https://barnum-museum.org/going-it-like-a-rush/ 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!

BECOMING BARNUM: The Journey to Fame and Fortune 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: https://barnum-museum.org/a-new-chapter-for-a-new-year/ 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!

BECOMING BARNUM: The Journey to Fame and Fortune 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: https://barnum-museum.org/i-never-wish-to-be-a-millionaire/ 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!

BECOMING BARNUM: The Journey to Fame and Fortune 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: https://barnum-museum.org/bills-and-boardmen/ 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!

Thank you for listening to 'Becoming Barnum: The Journey to Fame and Fortune.' We will be taking a break for the holidays but will return in the new year with more stories about P.T. Barnum and Tom Thumb. Subscribe to stay updated and let us know what you think by leaving a review. Happy holidays from the 'Becoming Barnum' team.

BECOMING BARNUM: The Journey to Fame and Fortune 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: https://barnum-museum.org/the-old-american-is-bound-to-do-wonders-yet/ 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!

BECOMING BARNUM: The Journey to Fame and Fortune 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: https://barnum-museum.org/the-old-american-is-bound-to-do-wonders-yet/ 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!