Ripley’s Ambassador of Odd: Tim O’Brien @ the Barnum Museum

Join us at The Barnum Museum for Tim O’Brien’s fun and fascinating Ripley’s Ambassador of Odd presentation! You’ve probably heard, and perhaps even have used the expression ‘believe it, or not’ at some point in your life.  But do you know where it comes from?  That’s right!  RIPLEY!  Robert Ripley, the 20^th century P.T. Barnum!  An anthropologist, cartoonist and entrepreneur, Ripley ingeniously aggrandized trivia and popularized the ordinary and unusual.  As a writer for William Randolph Hearst syndicated global newspapers, Ripley’s “Believe It Or Not” was published in over 17 countries reaching hundreds of thousands of curiosity seekers all over the world.  From his original “Believe It Or Not” cartoon in 1918, to the more than 100 Ripley’s attractions that are in operation today worldwide, Ripley’s legacy continues to push our imagination! Join us for an evening of larger-than-life stories, mysterious tales and fantastical illuminations about Barnum and Ripley…and the people, places and things that make our world inextricable and wondrous! …’believe it….or not!’ For 10 years, Tim O’Brien has served as the national corporate spokesperson for Ripley Entertainment Inc. He was responsible for the promotion and public relations of Ripley Corporate as well as all Ripley brands and attractions worldwide and served as editor of the venerable ‘Ripley’s Believe It or Not!’ cartoon, established in 1918.  He was producer and co-host of the Ripley Radio weekly broadcast creating more than 200 episodes over a five year period.  Today he proudly holds the emeritus title of “Ambassador of Odd” with Ripley’s Believe It or Not! An industry specialist and award-winning photojournalist, Tim O’Brien has had more than 5,000 articles and more than 3,000 photos published. He has appeared in more than a dozen theme park documentaries on the Travel Channel, The Discovery Channel and National Public Television. Tim has written and published 17 books, all still available on Amazon. For his contribution to the international amusement park industry, Tim O’Brien was the first journalist to be inducted into the International Assoc. of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA) Hall of Fame in 2016, where he joins industry greats such as Walt Disney, Walter Knott and P.T. Barnum. Tim was previously presented the Lifetime Service Award in 2001 by the same association.   Tim currently serves on the National Advisory Council of the Barnum Museum; IAAPA Hall of Fame Committee; the IAAPA Foundation Board; and on the board of governors of the Applause Award which recognizes the world’s top theme park. Please contact the Barnum Museum at info@barnum-museum.org for more information.]]>