2007 Program Schedule
January
Consummate Connecticut with author Stacey Maxwell
Sunday, January 28th 2:00pm
Stacey Maxwell, Author
In her presentation Author Stacey Maxwell will talk about many of the worthy local attractions from her book Consummate Connecticut:
Day trips with Panache. Copies of Consummate Connecticut will be available in the Museum Gift shop. Free to Members. General
admission applies.
February
CT League of History Organizations
Saturday, February 3rd 9:30-12:30pm
Kathy Maher, Executive Director Barnum Museum
Cleaning Up Controversy Art Exhibit
Thursday, February 1st – Thursday, March 1st
An exhibition of work from several artists in the greater Bridgeport area. The month long exhibit will focus on Bridgeport City’s story
through the eyes of its artists. The show will feature work from Lynne Knobel, Yolanda V. Petrocelli, Mary Witkowski, and others. The
opening reception is free. All other days general admission applies.
Poetry Workshop, Black History Month
Saturday, February 3rd 2:00pm
Dianna Vagianos Miller, Certified Poetry Therapist
Featured Poet, Lucille Clifton
Dianna Vagianos Miller, MA, Certified Poetry Therapist, teaches in Freshman Composition at Quinnipiac University and Southern
Connecticut State University, and has facilitated poetry workshops for healing in Bridgeport and at retreats in the tri-state area. Call
Museum for registration details.
Black History in Barnum’s Time
Saturday, February 24th 1:00pm
Rev. Cook, Local Historian
Local historian Rev. Cook returns for a second year to give a presentation on the little known experience of Black Americans between
1800-1900. Free to Members. General admission applies.
March
Heroes on the Home front
TBA
Kathy Maher, Executive Director and Curator
In the years since the end of the conflict, many ideas of the late 19th and 20th century have romanticized ad glorified the image of the Civil
War. Knowledge of the philanthropic involvement of women and the Federal government’s increasing reliance on their efforts during the
war has been dimmed by the concept that these skills were inherent to their rolls in society. Museum Director Kathy Maher will provide
an informative presentation on the little known contributions of Women during the Civil War.
Free to Members. General admission applies.
The Big Read City Wide Event
This year the month of April belongs to… reading! The Barnum Museum will participate in the Big Read event by offering several talks,
and a writer’s workshop on the classic To Kill a Mocking Bird written by Harper Lee. All participants will receive a copy of To Kill a
Mocking Bird and a free individual membership to the museum. This year’s program schedule will include key Big Read events at various
locations through out the City of Bridgeport. Other Connecticut Cities participating are Norwalk Shelton and Stamford.
The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment of the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and
in cooperation with Arts Midwest. For more information on the Big Read visit www.neabigread.org
Charles Shields Author of Mockingbird: A portrait of Harper Lee,
Blues Guitarist Dan Stevens,
and WPA Mural Exhibition Opening
Saturday, March 31st 2:30 – 5:00pm
Barnum Museum
This Kick off event will feature a discussion with Charles Shields author of Harper Lee a Biography. Accompanying the discussion will be
depression era southern music. The Barnum Museum will also open a new exhibit displaying several original WPA murals. Reception
catered by Take Time Cafe. Free to the public.
April
To Kill a Mocking Bird Chapter a Day Read-Aloud!
Monday April 2nd
Bridgeport Public Library
North Branch, 3455 Madison Avenue
Begins in April and continues throughout the month until the finish of the book. For details visit www.bridgeportpubliclibrary.org
To Kill a Mocking Bird Chapter a Day Read-Aloud!
Tuesday April 3rd
Bridgeport Public Library
Burroughs and Saden Memorial branch, 925 Broad Street
Begins in April and continues throughout the month until the finish of the book. For details visit www.bridgeportpubliclibrary.org
Memoir Writing Workshop: The Great Depression
Saturday, April 14th 2:00pm
Bridgeport Public Library
Burroughs and Saden Memorial branch, 925 Broad Street
A popular monthly workshop at the library. Participants are invited to share, and write about their own memories of the Great
Depression. For details visit www.bridgeportpubliclibrary.org
Film Screening: To Kill a Mocking Bird
Bijou Theatre, 275 Fairfield Avenue
TBA
Enjoy this Academy Award winning classic at the refurbished Bijou Theatre. For details visit www.bridgeportpubliclibrary.org
Art exhibit Inspired by To Kill a Mocking Bird
April 11th – April 28th
City Lights Gallery, 37 Markle Court
Area teens present their artistic interpretation of the themes in Harper Lee’s novel. For more information visit www.citylightsgallery.org
WPA in Bridgeport
Friday, April 20th
Barnum Museum
Bridgeport City historian Mary Witkowski will discuss Depression Era art, murals, and the projects of the WPA and their impact on the
City of Bridgeport. Free the public.
WPA Mural Restoration
Monday, April 23rd, 2007
Barnum Museum
Joe Matteis, paintings Conservator, will speak on the restoration of the WPA murals that he has worked on throughout Fairfield County.
Matteis recently did the Stamford, Norwalk, and Greenwich paintings. Bridgeport murals will be on exhibition complimenting his talk.
Free to the public.
Mark Schenker Presents : To Kill a Mocking Bird
Tuesday, April 24th 6:30
Bridgeport Public Library
Burroughs and Saden Memorial branch
Yale University’s Mark Schenker examines the art, impact and cultural reality of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer prize winning novel. For details
visit www.bridgeportpubliclibrary.org
Barnum Festival Jenny Lind Competition,
Tom Thumb and Lavinia Warren,
and King and Queen
Saturday April 28th
The Tom Thumb and Lavinia Warren, and King and Queen events will be held at the museum. For details contact the Barnum Festival at
203-367-8495
Halloween in April
Sunday April 29th
12:00pm – 3:00pm, Parade at 1:00pm
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo
1875 Noble Avenue
Attend a costume party like Scout! Dress up as your favorite literary character and join us at the zoo.
For details contact the Beardsley Zoo at www.beardsleyzoo.org
Baseball and Jim Crow:
A Reminiscence by Miracle Met Ed Charles
Monday, April 30th 1:00pm
Central High School, 1 Lincoln Boulevard
Ed Charles, third baseman for the World Champion 1969 Mets, discusses growing up in the south and the role baseball played as
forerunner of the civil rights movement. For details visit bridgeport.ct.schoolwebpages.com/education/school
To Kill a Mocking Bird: Stage Adaptation
Thursday May 10
Barnum Museum
You have read the book! Now witness a powerful stage adaptation performed by cast members from Shelton’s Center Stage. For details
visit www.centerstageshelton.com
May
Circusworks (Program for teachers)
Saturday, May 19th, 2006, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Peggy Williams, Educational Outreach
This innovative program demonstrates how any subject can be taught using circus-related, hands-on, interactive techniques, and is
presented by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® veteran and educational curriculum developer, Peggy Williams. A former special
education teacher and professional circus clown, Peggy uses her teaching and circus skills to demonstrate how you can integrate circus
materials, skills, and activities into your curriculum to teach science, social studies, language, and the arts. Peggy will demonstrate how
hands-on, interactive activities can be used to build teamwork, trust, tolerance, diversity, and respect. Call Museum for registration
details.
June
Barnum Festival’s Wing Ding
Saturday June 2nd
Location to be announced
For details contact the Barnum Festival at 203-367-8495
Who Put the B in Ballyhoo? with Author Carlyn Beccia
Sunday June 10th
Carlyn Beccia, Author
A presentation and signing of the popular children’s book with an opportunity for kids to create their own circus poster with help from
the Author. Free to Members. General admission applies.
Witchcraft in New England before Salem: The Hartford Panic
Monday June 11th
Dr. Walter Woodward, UCONN History Professor
Dr. Woodward is an Associate Professor with the Department of History at UCONN. Dr. Woodward will provide an informative and
exiting presentation on the Witchcraft Hysteria that took place locally. Free to Members. General admission applies.
Barnum Festival’s Wing Ding Parade for Kids
Saturday, June 23rd
For details contact the Barnum Festival at 203-367-8495
Bridgeport Free Shakespeare Rehearsals
Thursday June 28th – Wednesday July 11th
Bridgeport Free Shakespeare
Bridgeport Free Shakespeare (a professional theater company under contract with the Actor’s Equity Association) will conduct their
rehearsals for a second year in the Museum’s People’s Bank Gallery. Under the direction of Producer, Bertram Garskof, PhD and Artistic
Director, Ellen Lieberman. Bridgeport Free Shakespeare presents their annual performance at the Beardsley Zoo. The event is free to the
public.
Barnum Festival’s 59th Annual Jenny Lind Performance
Thursday, June 28th
th
The annual event returns for a 59 year. Coloratura sopranos from all over the nation will compete to win the distinction of the
“American Jenny Lind, 2007.” The event is free to the public. Call the Barnum Festival for information at 203-367-8495.
Barnum Festival’s Sky Blast Sails the Sound and People’s Fireworks
Friday, June 29th
Fireworks display
For details contact the Barnum Festival at 203-367-8495
Barnum Festival’s Champions on parade
Saturday, June 30th
For details contact the Barnum Festival at 203-367-8495
July
The Barnum Festival’s Great Street Parade!
Sunday July 1st 11:00 am
For details contact the Barnum Festival at 203-367-8495
Barnum Birthday Bash
Thursday, July 5th
Our Annual Birthday bash returns to celebrate P.T. Barnum’s Birthday! The event is free to the public.
Circus Minimus
Monday, July 9th – 20th
Circus Minimus is a two week circus skills workshop presented by the Playhouse on the Green and is offered as a summer enrichment
program to regional school children ages 7-13. For details and tuition information contact the Playhouse at 203-333-6211.
Oil Drum Art Exhibit Opening Reception
Thursday July 19th
5:30 - 8:00 pm
The Barnum Museum is proud to present an exhibit of 50 Oil Drum artworks created by Connecticut artists.
The exhibit will run from July 19th – August 30th. For details visit www.oildrumart.org
August
Beardsley Zoo Presentation from Zoo Director Greg Dancho
Thursday, August 2nd
11:00am
The presentation from the Zoos Director Greg Dancho will be a part of the special programming to accompany the Oil Drum Art
exhibit.
September
Boss Canvass Man with Author Patrick McKiernan
TBA
Patrick McKiernan, Author and Historian
Author Patrick Mckiernan discusses his book “Boss Canvasman,” a novel set in the Park City during Prohibition. Copies of the book will
be for sale in the Museum gift shop. Free to Members. General admission applies.
October
November
December
Events to be Announced
Come One, Come All! The Barnum Festival Exhibition Opening!
TBA
Since 1949, the Barnum Festival’s core events celebrate Bridgeport’s diversity and cultural heritage, embodying their mission to enhance
the “economic and emotional well-being of the people.” The unity and sense of pride stimulated by the Barnum Festival’s celebrations
will be captured and transformed into the exhibition Come One, Come All! The Barnum Festival. The Exhibition will be the newest addition
to the Museum’s permanent displays. Free to Members. General admission applies.
Restoration of the State Capital
TBA
John Canning, Restoration Architect
Canning is credited with working on the Grand Central Terminal – ceiling high mural, and Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum.
Canning is also the recipient of the Connecticut Society of Architects Award CSA/AIA, Recognition for Contributions to Restoration.
Free to Members. General admission applies.
The Great Blizzard of 1888
TBA
Mary Witkowski, City Historian
Bridgeport City was buried so deeply by snow in 1888 tunnels were dug so residents could reach the sidewalks in front of their homes.
Astonishing pictures will accompany a lecture from a local City Historian. Free to Members. General admission applies.
Gustave Whitehead: First in Flight?
TBA
The debate over who was first in flight continues: was it the Wright Brothers, or was the first a local immigrant by the name of
Whitehead? The question will be explored more deeply with a detailed exhibition and, evening talk on the topic. Free to Members.
General admission applies.
The Barnum Museum
820 Main Street, Bridgeport, Ct 06604
www.barnum-museum.org
203-331-1104
“The Noblest Art is that of Making Others Happy”
P.T. Barnum, 1891