Barnum's World
Michael O'Malley, Associate Professor of History and Art History, George Mason University
Assignment
Background
This is a computer rendered graphic of the second floor landing of Barnum's Museum, based on strict measurements taken from floor plans, tourist's descriptions of the museum and its contents, and published guidebooks. It was produced as part of an ongoing experiment in historical simulation by the American Social History Project.
Barnum's museum was very different from modern museums. To modern eyes, it seems like a jumble of unconnected, different things. It was a strange place, famous for being controversial, disturbing, scary, funny, dishonest. You might think of it as being like televison today. It gives us an extraordinary look at the popular culture of America in the 1850s and 60s.
As you move through the museum you might consider these questions as well. How did Barnum's Museum depict the Civil War and the tensions that led up to it? A number of attractions directly address the Civil War: several others might be said to imply or address some of the topics, like race, or sectional coflict--that led to the war. Why was Barnum's museum popular? In this, be as specific as possible--don't just say "because it showed people things they were interested in," or "things they didn't see every day;" or "it was interesting because people had no TVs yet." Say why you think these specific things were interesting to people at this specific time. What "nerve" did they touch?
Clicking on the link below will open a new window and take you into The Lost Musem.
Questions
After looking around the Lost Museum, choose one of the following to answer:
- Why did Barnum's Museum burn down? As always, make sure you give evidence for your conclusions. In the introductory movie, Barnum hmself give several reasons. Which of these do you think is the most convincing, and why?
- How did Barnum's Museum depict the Civil War and the tensions that led up to it? A number of attraction directly address the Civil War: several other might be said to imply or address some of the topics, like race, or sectional coflict—that led to the war.
- Why was Barnum's museum popular? In this, be as specific as possible—don't just say “because it showed people things they were interested in,” or “things they didn't see every day;” or “it was interesting because people had no TVs yet.” Say why you think these specific things were interesting to people at this specific time. What “nerve” did they touch?
Here are some ways to think about Barnum, using one of his attractions.
Last Updated | April 2004
