Bid on a Private, Behind-the-Scenes Tour at the Barnum Museum!
Currier & Ives print of the Fairy Wedding, 1863. Collection of The Barnum Museum.
The Barnum Museum is offering a Tiny Tour & Tea, a special behind-the-scenes museum experience, as part of an online auction benefitting the Connecticut League of History Organizations (CLHO). The charity auction takes place during the first half of November. As you might guess, the "Tiny" part of the title refers to our outstanding collection of items relating to 19th-century celebrities General Tom Thumb and his wife, Lavinia Warren. Although carriages and furniture are on display in the gallery, many other artifacts such as clothing, personal accessories, artwork (and the souvenir slice of their wedding cake!) are kept in storage to preserve them. Read more about this special private tour (limited to 8 guests) by clicking on the link below.
The Barnum Museum is a long-time member and proud supporter of the Connecticut League of History Organizations (CLHO), a not-for-profit that advances the history and heritage community in this state. We heartily encourage you to check out CLHO's online "Auction of Historic Proportions" to see the fabulous array of more than 50 items, tours, and unique experiences donated by CLHO member museums, historical societies, and individuals. These will be auctioned on Bidding for Good, an auction web site especially designed to help non-profits, starting November 1 through 15, 2016. Visit the auction here.
So, why not get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping and make it fun, as well as a gift unto itself! (Proceeds from the purchases go to CLHO.) If you enjoy giving unique holiday gifts, like private tours and other one-of-a-kind experiences, or unusual items from hand-made jewelry to vintage posters, don't miss this great opportunity to find something special for your friends and loved ones, or for yourself. Just think how calm you will feel come December, knowing that you have already purchased great gifts to give.
In addition to the Barnum Museum’s Tiny Tour & Tea, you will find other tantalizing and intriguing auction items, such as an historic-style hearth-cooked dinner for six; a private lesson to become a train engineer (wow!); custom-made gingerbread houses; tickets to an historic tavern night event, and dozens more exciting gifts. Prior to November 1st you may preview the items by clicking on the “Visit the auction” link above. Be sure to put the auction dates on your calendar. All items will be available during the Nov. 1st to 15th timeframe.
Happy Bidding!
ABOUT THE BARNUM MUSEUM:
Bridgeport’s Barnum Museum is one of P. T. Barnum’s many philanthropic gifts. Completed in 1893, the architecturally significant building boasts a unique combination of styles and terra cotta ornamentation, and is listed on the National Register. Today the museum proudly shares the history and legacy of the world-famous entrepreneur, showman, and museum proprietor, who was also a state legislator, mayor, real estate developer, and philanthropist. The museum is home to thousands of artifacts, many pertaining to Bridgeport native Tom Thumb and his wife, as well as the P. T. Barnum Family, and Nathaniel Wheeler Family. Their furniture, carriages, artwork and other items are currently displayed, along with a centaur and mermaid. Since 2010, the historic building has been undergoing repair and restoration due to a series of weather events that compromised the structure. The Museum is currently open for visitors in the People’s United Bank Gallery located behind the historic building, open for viewing and tours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m on Thursdays and Fridays year-round. There is no admission charge but donations are welcome.
Alice Ferreira, VP of Corporate Communications for UnitedHealth Group, currently serves as chairman of the board of directors of The Barnum Museum.
