Bridgeport's Barnum Museum Earns Designation as City's First National Historic Landmark

The Barnum Musuem in Bridgeport was recently designated a National Historic Landmark (NHL) by the National Park Service. National Historic Landmark Designation is the highest historic designation that a property can receive – so designated as nationally significant historic places because they possess exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States.

There are about 2,600 NHLs across the country and now 65 here in Connecticut. Each NHL represents an outstanding aspect of America's history or culture. ​ A historic landmark can be a building, site, structure, object, or district.

The Barnum Museum is the last surviving establishment attributed to the extraordinary American icon, Phineas Taylor Barnum (1810-1891).  The Barnum Museum is the City of Bridgeport’s first National Historic Landmark designation by the National Park Service.

The Barnum Institute of Science and History (aka Barnum Museum) is nationally significant for its association with Phineas T. Barnum. The Barnum Institute is the last of several public buildings that P.T. Barnum developed for the purpose of "intellectual exchange and public instructional entertainment" (from the NHL nomination). The building served the community as part research facility, museum, and lecture hall for 41 years.

According to the museum, “Barnum’s story is a fascinating exploration of 19th century social, commercial, political and industrial history, and his tale begins long before his circus enterprise was created in 1872.  He was an entrepreneur, museum proprietor, business leader, political leader, urban developer, community benefactor, philanthropist, temperance leader, emancipationist, lecturer and author.  Barnum was committed to the intellectual and cultural development of society, and was a voice for the pursuit of freedom, choice and knowledge.” In 1875, Barnum was elected mayor of Bridgeport and served the one year term in effect in the 19th century, historians note.

The National Historic Landmark Program was created by the U.S. Congress in 1935 because of public concern over the rapid destruction of the nation’s historic resources. The main criteria are: the historic property must play a major part in American history and the property’s physical condition must retain a high degree of its historic fabric or integrity.

Wondering about the other 64 National Historic Landmark sites in Connecticut?  They vary – from the Yale Bowl to the State Capitol, from the Mark Twain House to the New Haven Green, from the USS Nautilus to Old Newgate Prison.  The full list can be found here.

The Barnum Museum is currently under construction and renovation and is not open to the general public at this time. Their website indicates that “a new, immersive, 21st century Barnum Museum is on the horizon.”  Officials point out that “this is the largest, most comprehensive historic restoration in the Museum’s 130 year-old history.” Published reports indicate re-opening is about a year away.

The Barnum Museum continues to be active and involved in the region.  It recently announced plans to partner with the Palace Theatre in Stamford for Omnium:  A Bold New Circus.  Omnium, a not-for-profit enterprise, is a leader in the global movement toward diversity, equity and inclusion.  They are breaking new ground in the world of circus arts as the first comprehensively inclusive and accessible circus performing arts company.  Through shared positive experiences among those who enjoy the circus, the Omnium Circus celebrates people of all races, colors, ethnicities and abilities and builds aligned and supportive communities.  Ticket information is available here.