A Unique Look At Bridgeport Nostalgia

BRIDGEPORT — On Saturday, January 31, from noon to 1:30 pm, the public is invited to The Barnum Museum to relive the heyday of the Park City when downtown Bridgeport was a hot spot in the area.

The team of former mayor Len Paoletta, Jeffery Williams and Tony Pocaccini will bring the story of old Bridgeport to life with fond remembrances as they tour through the museum’s exhibitions. Everyone is invited to join this informal discussion and share their personal memories of the people, places and historical events that happened in Bridgeport, focusing primarily on the period from 1900 to 1950.

The hope is that the collective memories of everyone at this event will help create an excitement about Bridgeport’s unique place in society starting at the turn of the century.  

Leonard Paoletta is one of the most-highly respected and admired figures in recent Bridgeport history. He is a former mayor of the city and founder and president of the non-profit group Bridgeport Area Cultural Italian Organization (BACIO), Inc. This organization promotes and fosters Italian culture via a variety of methods.

Jeffrey Williams has produced numerous Bridgeport calendars, including Bridgeport by the Sea 2009, the most recent offering. On Saturdays from 3 to 4 pm, he hosts the weekly show “At the Ritz!” on WVOF FM 88.5. He has interviewed Frank Sinatra, Jr., Les Brown, Sr., Mickey Rooney, Gene Wilder and Artie Shaw.

Fairfield native Anthony Procaccini is music director of Saint Patrick’s Church, Bridgeport, a Frank Sinatra historian, a former longtime accompanist of Benny Rae, and a Bridgeport history enthusiast.

The Barnum Museum has three floors of exhibits that illustrate the extraordinary life of Phineas Taylor Barnum, one-term mayor of Bridgeport and four-term member of the Connecticut General Assembly. The original museum building, owned by the City of Bridgeport, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is handicap accessible.

The Nostalgia Walk & Discussion will be covered with the regular museum admission of $7 adults, $5 college students and senior citizens, and $4 for visitors ages 4-17. Reservations are not needed, but additional information is available by calling the museum at 203-331-1104 extension 102.

The Barnum Museum is at 820 Main Street. Directions can be found online at Barnum-Museum.org or through the phone number above.