P.T. Barnum Part Two- A Million Wonders and A Million Blunders

Week two of The P. T. Barnum Story and we get into some more racist shenanigans. We talk about more of Barnum's early acts and the use of blackface in his shows.Then we get into the purchasing of The American Museum and some of the wild exhibits Barnum Put into it. Including one of Barnum's most famous living wonders "General Tom Thumb".We talk about how Barnum met 5 year old Charles S. Stratton and worked with the boy to create the character of Tom Thumb. Tom Thumb quickly becomes one of Barnum's most successful acts eventually touring with him around England and Europe performing for nobles and Royalty including Queen Victoria. We will also talk about Barnum's strained relationship with his wife Charity and his inability to just be home with his family. And we will finish the episode with the construction of a massive home and estate that Barnum called "Iranastan" Hope you enjoy!(Photos for the episode will be on our Instagram and our website time codes below.)Sources:“Barnum: An American Life” by Robert Wilson(2020)“Topsy: The Startling Story of the Crooked Tailed Elephant, PT Barnum, and the American Wizard, Thomas Edison” By Michael Daly(2013)Photos:Pic 1- The American Museum (36:45)Pic 2- Fiji Mermaid (41:40)Pic 3+4- Tom Thumb +Barnum (49:10)Pic 5- Tom Thumb as Napoleon (54:55)Pic 6+7- Tom Thumb's Carriage (1:15:34)Pic 8, 9, 10- Iranastan (1:26:18)Send us a text! Let us know what topics you want us to cover!