P.T. Barnum's Life: The REAL story behind the REEL story!

Fiction vs Fact! The REAL story behind the REEL story!  On Sunday, January 28th, 2:00 PM at The Barnum Museum Barnum Museum Executive Director, Kathleen Maher will host a fun-filled talk; Fiction vs Fact! The Real story behind the Reel story!  Have you seen the 20th Century film The Greatest Showman yet?  If you haven’t, go and enjoy!  If you have already seen it, we are sure you have a lot of questions about the accuracy of P.T. Barnum’s life and times.  Kathy has the answers and will share numerous bits and pieces of history that will set the record straight. All in the spirit of fun, Kathy’s talk will illuminate guests with an engaging journey through many key elements of the movie.  From the depiction of Barnum’s childhood to his final bow with the Greatest Show On Earth, the talk will expand the screenplay and reveal even more fantastic stories of struggles and triumphs! Consider this a Spoiler Alert. As portrayed in the movie, Barnum had a hard childhood.  Kathy is happy to say he (Barnum) “actually had a very pleasant childhood growing up in Bethel, CT and recounts many happy moments of his youth in his autobiography. And as many folks in Connecticut know, there is no ‘beach’ in Bethel! So there are all kinds of liberties taken with the screenplay.  Many, many plots are an entanglement of truths and moments throughout his life.  The hour and forty-five minute movie is really about 50 years of his long and busy life!…And his daughters don’t age.” Come see Tom Thumb’s actual Napoleon costume, Jenny Lind’s piano and a gold medal presented to P.T. Barnum for his dedication to the Temperance movement…that’s right…Barnum was one of the leading champions of liquor reform and legislation! If you are curious about P.T. Barnum, excited about the movie, or just want to learn more about how the Museum was involved, come and enjoy a fun afternoon that will surely have you leaving with a new and refreshed perspective.  You’ll never look at Hollywood the same way!  Bring your own questions!  It will be fun to have your thoughts be a part of the conversation. No Registration Required; $5.00 Suggested Donation]]>