P.T. Barnum and the Curse of Number 13Was P.T. Barnum superstitious?Barnum was famous for humbug, spectacle, and skepticism — but one number kept following him around: 13.From a Christmas dinner in London with General Tom Thumb, to repeated hotel rooms numbered 13, to the burning of… Jun 15 26June 15, 2026Video at Showman's Shorts
P.T. Barnum’s Wild Civil War Moment in Monroe, ConnecticutDuring the Civil War, even small Connecticut towns were pulled into the national fight over secession, loyalty, and the future of the Union.In August 1861, a “peace meeting” was planned for Stepney Green in Monroe, Connecticut. But in the North, that… Jun 08 26June 08, 2026Video at Showman's Shorts
The Bar-Fighting Museum Manager Before BarnumBefore P.T. Barnum owned the American Museum, it belonged to the family of John Scudder, a self-made taxidermist and amateur naturalist who opened his museum in New York in 1810.But the story did not pass quietly from Scudder to Barnum. After… Jun 01 26June 01, 2026Video at Showman's Shorts
The Boston Museum Owner Behind Barnum’s Famous MermaidP.T. Barnum didn’t build his fame alone.One of his closest friends and collaborators was Moses Kimball, the Boston Museum owner who helped bring the famous Fejee Mermaid into Barnum’s orbit.This video explores Kimball’s museum, his friendship with… May 25 26May 25, 2026Video at Showman's Shorts
The Story Behind Barnum’s “Living Chinese Family”In this episode of Showman’s Shorts, the Barnum Museum explores P.T. Barnum’s “Living Chinese Family,” nineteenth-century curiosity culture, and the ways Chinese performers were presented to American audiences through spectacle, exoticism, and… May 18 26May 18, 2026Video at Showman's Shorts
Flag Fiasco: Barnum vs. The Church!"Step back into 1840s New York City, where showman P.T. Barnum pulled off a cheeky Fourth of July stunt that had a local church seeing red (and blue). Discover how Barnum's over-the-top flag decorations sparked a hilarious showdown with St. Paul's… Jul 07 25July 07, 2025Video at Showman's Shorts
Where’s Barnum? The 19th Century’s Favorite TricksterWhen Barnum wasn’t shaping his own story, others were happy to do it for him! In the 19th century, fake Barnums popped up everywhere—portrayed as a fast-talking trickster in newspapers, books, and satire. Punch magazine mocked him alongside General… Mar 10 25March 10, 2025Video at Showman's Shorts
The Great Moon Hoax: How 1835’s Fake News Fooled Everyone! 🌕🦇In 1835, the New York Sun pulled off one of the greatest hoaxes in media history—the Great Moon Hoax! 🚀🌕 With tales of moon-dwelling man-bats, unicorn goats, and lunar pyramids, journalist Richard Adams Locke had meant it as satire. But the… Feb 10 25February 10, 2025Video at Showman's Shorts
What Was Barnum’s 1850s Circus Really Like?Step into the history of wagon circuses and explore the captivating tale of P.T. Barnum's early years before the "Greatest Show on Earth." 🚂 Discover how the Barnum Museum on the road brought a world of curiosities to small-town America, featuring… Jan 20 25January 20, 2025Video at Showman's Shorts
Niblo’s Garden: Where 19th-Century NYC Found Drama and Barnum’s Big Break!Step into the bustling world of Niblo’s Garden, one of the most popular entertainment venues of 19th-century New York City! From its hanging lanterns and ice cream stands to theatrical spectacles and circus acts, Niblo’s had it all. Discover how a… Jan 06 25January 06, 2025Video at Showman's Shorts
Growing Up Barnum: The Family Roots of P.T. Barnum's Legendary LifeP.T. Barnum may be remembered as the greatest showman, but before his legendary career, he was a boy shaped by his family in Bethel, Connecticut. This video dives into Barnum’s childhood, exploring how his grandparents, parents, and siblings… Dec 16 24December 16, 2024Video at Showman's Shorts
The Surprising Reason Tom Thumb Became a LEGENDARY Performer!Discover the surprising reason why Tom Thumb became a legendary performer in Bridgeport, CT history. Learn more in this fascinating video!Welcome to another episode of Showman’s Shorts, hosted by Betsy Golden Kellem! In this episode, we uncover the… Dec 02 24December 02, 2024Video at Showman's Shorts
Barnum's Congress of Nations: The Spectacle and Controversy of 19th-Century CircusStep into the 1870s and 1880s, when P.T. Barnum's circus captivated America with spectacles like the 'Congress of Nations' and 'Ethnological Congress.' Discover how Barnum's parade wagons, costumed performers, and exotic pageants gave audiences an… Nov 18 24November 18, 2024Video at Showman's Shorts
Edison’s 'Wonder' Phonograph Recording!Step back in time as P.T. Barnum records his voice on Thomas Edison's revolutionary phonograph in 1889! Barnum, always ahead of the game, took advantage of one of the 19th century's greatest technological leaps—the Edison Cylinder. Hear Barnum’s… Nov 04 24November 04, 2024Video at Showman's Shorts
The Surprising Reason Bearded Women Became Circus IconsDiscover the captivating history of circus sideshows and the remarkable women who challenged societal norms. This video explores how bearded women became stars of the Victorian circus entertainment world, with a special focus on Josephine Clofullia… Oct 14 24October 14, 2024Video at Showman's Shorts
Barnum's Swag Revolution: The Jenny & Jumbo Merch CrazeP.T. Barnum wasn't just the master of the show-he was the king of swag! In this video, we dive into the wild world of 19th-century merchandising, where everything from opera glasses to castor oil got the Jenny Lind and Jumbo treatment. Discover how… Sep 23 24September 23, 2024Video at Showman's Shorts
Nancy Fish: P.T. Barnum's Carrie BradshawWas P.T. Barnum’s second wife, Nancy Fish, a nineteenth-century Carrie Bradshaw? In this video, we dive into her 1891 article 'Moths of Modern Marriages' from the Ladies’ Home Journal, where she served up marriage advice with a Victorian twist. From… Sep 16 24September 16, 2024Video at Showman's Shorts
Ned the Learned Seal: Barnum’s Aquatic Showstopper🐟 Dive into the splashy tale of Ned the Learned Seal, one of P.T. Barnum’s most fascinating and fish-loving stars! From playing hand organs to escaping a museum fire, Ned's antics kept 19th-century audiences laughing and cheering. Discover how this… Sep 02 24September 02, 2024Video at Showman's Shorts
Zazel: The Daring Human CannonballZazel: The World’s First Human Cannonball - Barnum’s Daring Star PerformerMeet Rossa Mathilda Richter, better known by her stage name, Zazel. At just 17, Zazel rocketed to fame as the world’s first human cannonball. Discover how this daring aerialist… Aug 19 24August 19, 2024Video at Showman's Shorts
America's First Fan Convention HostP.T. Barnum could very well be America's first fan convention host. Ever dressed up for a fan convention? You're following in the footsteps of P.T. Barnum! 🎩✨ our latest episode delves into the fascinating story of the inaugural Convention of the… Aug 05 24August 05, 2024Video at Showman's Shorts
