A Victorian Christmas, And Special Events, At Barnum Museum

BRIDEPORT — Visitors to The Barnum Museum through January 2 will be able to feast their eyes upon some of the most intricate and beautiful Victorian Christmas decorations available anywhere.

“Victorian Christmas Traditions” educates about early American trees that were decorated with fruit, nuts, candles, cookies and small handmade trinkets that were taken off the tree and given as gifts on Christmas morning. The special Barnum Museum exhibit chronicles a more innocent time in the history of the holidays in America.

The People’s Bank Gallery at the Barnum Museum is currently featuring “William Brinley’s Amazing Miniature Circus.”  Prepare to be astounded with the complexity and detail in this circus where one foot equals just three-quarters of an inch.

The monumental work of folk art is dedicated to illustrating the wonderful world of the circus is from one of the world’s most talented wood carvers, William Brinley of Meriden. Covering more than 1,100 square feet, the exhibit is historically accurate right down to the Menagerie; Jumbo, one of P.T. Barnum’s most famous elephants, and the 48-star flag flying above the Big Top.

Special Events

In addition to its special exhibitions this season the museum will host a few special events.

On Tuesday, December 14, Bridgeport Mayor John M. Fabrizi will offer a special reading of The Night Before Christmas at 11 am.

Museum curator Kathleen Maher will offer a “Celebrate The Season” exhibition gallery talk on Thursday, December 16. The 45-minute program will begin at 12:15 pm.

Ms Maher will repeat her gallery talk on Saturday, December 18, beginning at 10:30 am.

Also that morning the museum will offer an ongoing holiday crafts and ornament making workshop from 11 am to 2 pm.

The Barnum Museum also has three floors of exhibits that illustrate the extraordinary life of P.T. Barnum.

Regular museum admission is $5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens and college students, $3 for ages 4 to 17, and free ages 3 and under. Regular museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4:30 pm, and Sunday from noon to 4:30 pm. Call 203-331-1104 for details.

Groups are welcome, but advance reservations are requested.