Becoming Barnum: The Journey to Fame and Fortune

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: 

• Do the Best You Can for Yourself

https://barnum-museum.org/do-the-best-you-can-for-yourself/

• The Secret has Cost Me Much Trouble

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: 

• Going It Like a Rush

https://barnum-museum.org/going-it-like-a-rush/

• How to Do Business in Baltimore

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: 

• A New Chapter for a New Year

https://barnum-museum.org/a-new-chapter-for-a-new-year/

• An Array of Museums

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: 

• I Never Wish to be a Millionaire

https://barnum-museum.org/i-never-wish-to-be-a-millionaire/

• A Desire to Save the Souls of Men

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: 

• Bills and Boardmen

https://barnum-museum.org/bills-and-boardmen/

• Extra Exertions in Dull Times

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: 

• The Old American is Bound to Do Wonders Yet

https://barnum-museum.org/the-old-american-is-bound-to-do-wonders-yet/

• Pancakes & Short Cakes & Oysters

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: 

• The Old American is Bound to Do Wonders Yet

https://barnum-museum.org/the-old-american-is-bound-to-do-wonders-yet/

• Pancakes & Short Cakes & Oysters

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!