With Love And Honor: Penny Postcards That Celebrated February

BRIDGEPORT — During the Presidents’ school holiday week, The Barnum Museum will host a special postcard program of interest to children and adults.

On Tuesday, February 17, at 1 pm, Bob Berthelson will give a talk and visual presentation surrounding the significant role the penny postcard played in communication during the early 20th Century. The penny postcard was a form of holiday greeting commonly used between 1905 and 1915.  Some of the most colorful postcards were for the February celebrations such as Groundhog Day, Washington and Lincoln’s birthdays, and Valentine’s Day. These cards were not just created with paper, but made with bits of metal, cloth and often had scenes on cardboard wheels that turned to change the pictures and colors.

Following the discussion, children will be able to make their own penny postcard to give to someone special.  All craft supplies will be provided as part of the program.  This is a limited attendance drop off program so parents are encouraged to reserve a spot by contacting Director of Education Jaime Knoedler at Jknoedler@barnum-museum.org or 203-331-1104 extension 106.

The full program is expected to last about one hour.

Mr Berthelson is a Trumbull resident and a charter member and past president of the Connecticut Post Card Club. He has developed 50 historic programs using color slides on a variety of historical topics and presented at more than 1,500 locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York.

The program will be included within the cost of general admission, which on Tuesdays is $2 for all ages; children under four are admitted free of charge.

Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4:30 pm, so parents will be able to stay in the museum or view its current offerings with their children before or after the program. Call 203-331-1104 or visit Barnum-Museum.org for additional information. The museum is at 820 Main Street; follow signs from the Route 25 Connector.