Barnum's American Museum facts for kids

The first Barnum's American Museum

Barnum's American Museum was a very popular museum in New York City. It was located at Broadway and Ann Street. This museum started with a collection of interesting natural history items. These items were first kept in City Hall in the late 1700s.

John Scudder bought this collection around 1800 and opened it as a museum. Later, around 1830, a famous showman named P. T. Barnum bought the museum. He changed it from a quiet place with old displays into a lively and exciting attraction.

The Amazing World of Barnum's Museum

P. T. Barnum was known for his incredible shows. He wanted to amaze and entertain everyone who visited his museum. He replaced the older, less exciting exhibits with live performers and unique displays.

Stars of the Show

Barnum brought in many famous acts. These included:

• General Tom Thumb: A very talented performer who was known for his small size. He sang, danced, and told jokes.
• Commodore Nutt: Another performer who was also very small. He became famous for his charming personality.
• Chang and Eng: Often called the "Siamese Twins." They were brothers who were joined together. They were very popular and traveled the world.

Barnum's museum was not just about strange and unusual things. It also had a zoo, an aquarium, and even a theater. Visitors could see exotic animals, fish, and enjoy plays and concerts. It was a place where families could spend hours exploring and being entertained.

The Museum's Fiery End

Sadly, Barnum's American Museum faced a tough end. In 1865, the main building was destroyed by a large fire. Barnum was determined to keep his museum going. He rebuilt it at a different location in New York City.

However, bad luck struck again. In 1868, the new museum building also burned down completely. After this second fire, the museum never reopened its doors. Even though it was gone, Barnum's American Museum left a lasting mark on entertainment history. It showed how much people loved to see amazing and unusual things.

Images for kids

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  Barnum's New Museum after the 1868 fire

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  The Lecture Room of Barnum's American Museum, 1853.