Special Exhibition & Events Will Celebrate

The Season At Barnum Museum

BRIDGEPORT — For the eighth year, The Barnum Museum will showcase its popular holiday program, “Celebrate the Season.”

Chronicling the evolution of the Christmas celebration from 1850 through 1900, the museum’s period rooms will be decorated in elaborate 19th Century style demonstrating how the ideal of Christmas became woven into an American tradition. From homemade ornaments and treats during the early years of holiday festivities, to the introduction of elaborate, imported sparkling glass decorations from the later part of the century, the presentation is a wonderful journey back in time.

The exhibition will open November 28 and will remain on view until January 4. “Celebrate The Season” will be accompanied by a series of adult and children’s programs throughout the exhibition including gallery talks, lectures, ornament making and a fun-filled New Year’s Eve celebration.

The Barnum Museum is at 820 Main Street in Bridgeport. Admission is $7 adults, $5 students and seniors, $4 ages 4-17, and free for members and children 3 and under. The following programs are free with museum admission unless otherwise noted.

Special Programs

*Twenty-One Elephants Children’s Book Reading and Talk, 3 pm Saturday December 6:

Author Phil Bildner, best known for his whimsical series of books, will read Twenty-One Elephants, a favorite tale with ties to P.T. Barnum and with illustrations by LeUyen Pham. The book’s reading level makes the program especially suitable for children ages 4-8.

Mr Bildner will be available to autograph copies of the book after the reading.

Reservations are requested; call Jaime Knoedler at 203-331-1104 extension 106.

*Barnum Holiday Festival, 11 am to 2 pm on Saturday, December 13:

11 am, “Celebrate the Season” presentation by Executive Director Kathleen Maher will include a slide program and gallery tour on the evolution of the Christmas holiday tradition.

At noon, enjoy Children’s Holiday Craft Making, and caroling from the Yule Tide Carolers. Families are encouraged to bring gingerbread house creations for judging, and prizes that will be on display throughout the new year.

*Christmas Reading, 11 am on Tuesday December 16:

Sonya Finch, wife of Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch, will celebrate with us as she reads The Night before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore.

Reservations are requested; call 203-331-1104 extension 106.

*Celebrate the Season for Kids, 11 am to noon on Tuesday December 30 and again on Friday, January 2:

A great activity for K-4 graders, “Celebrate the Season for Kids” will focus on gift-gifting, Christmas tree, Christmas cards, and craft. With “Celebrate the Season” still on view, an age appropriate gallery tour to explain how the idea of Christmas became woven into an American tradition will be followed by a craft project.

Reservations are again requested; call 203-331-1104 extension 106.

*Best Night-New Year’s Eve Celebration, 4 to 8 pm Wednesday, December 31:

Families and guests of all ages will be entertained by a storyteller, magician, puppeteer, face-painter, and balloon animals, along with a variety of interactive craft activities for all.

Best Night takes place at The Barnum Museum, Playhouse on the Green, and City Lights Gallery, all within walking distance.

Admission is $5 adults, $3 children, for all three locations.