Wintertime Lecture Series Will Present ‘P.T. Barnum: The Man, The Myth,

 The Legend’ At Connecticut’s Old State House

HARTFORD — Join Connecticut’s Old State House for the second installment of its lunchtime lecture series, “And Justice for Some: Race and Controversy at Connecticut’s Old State House.” These free lectures focus on some of the most important stories in Connecticut’s quest for civil rights.

Each program includes a presentation by an expert on the topic followed by a discussion on how it has affected our lawmakers today. Lectures are held from noon to 1 pm and are free to the public.

On Wednesday, January 13, Kathy Maher will present “P.T. Barnum: The Man, The Myth, The Legend.” Ms Maher is executive director and curator of The Barnum Museum in Bridgeport.

In her presentation, Ms Maher will explore the many sides of P.T. Barnum. The name alone conjures ideas of imagination and extravagance.

Known to most of the world as “The Great American Showman,” the Bethel native did more than create shows of curiosities and oddities. P.T. Barnum embraced the dream of a truly democratic nation, and in doing so, inspired a new American society to reach beyond the limits of ordinary expectations and to see the world as a place of opportunity and wonder.

“At the Old State House, we use stories from the past to demonstrate how ordinary people can effect change by taking action,” said Sally Whipple, Director of Education and Community Programming. “Barnum became a state legislator specifically because he wanted to vote in support of the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution, which abolished slavery. He is a good example of a person whose passion for a cause translated into direct action.”

“Although Barnum is known mostly for his entertainment enterprises, as we enter the 200th year since his birth on July 5, 1810, few are aware of the extraordinary impact he had on society and industrial development,” explained Ms Maher. “Barnum was a passionate voice for the common man, and committed his life to support the freedoms and liberties he believed all men and women deserved. P.T. Barnum proudly stood on the floor of the Connecticut General Assembly and defended the rights of all Americans.”

Boxed lunches are available for $10 or bring your own. Boxed lunch options are ham, turkey, tuna salad or chicken salad sandwich on a roll with pickle, chips, cookie and drink; or garden salad with grilled chicken, chicken salad or tuna salad and drink.

To find out more information or to place an order for a boxed lunch, call 860-522-6766, extension 11. Lunch orders must be made by 4 pm on January 12, 2010.

The Old State House is at 800 Main Street in Hartford. Call 860-522-6766 or visit CTOldStateHouse.org for directions and additional information.

Upcoming lectures in the Lunchtime Lecture Series include “Remembering the Amistad” on Tuesday, February 2, and “To All on Equal Terms: The Story of Prudence Crandall” on Wednesday, March 3.