PT Barnum

Early Life and Entry into Show Business:

 Born in Bethel, Connecticut in 1810, Barnum showed an early aptitude for business. At
the age of 12, he started a small business selling snacks and cherry rum to soldiers.
 In the 1830s, Barnum began his career in show business by purchasing a blind and nearly
paralyzed slave woman, Joice Heth, whom he exhibited as the supposed 161-year-old
nursemaid of George Washington. This venture brought him some early success but also
controversy.

The American Museum:

 In 1841, Barnum purchased Scudder's American Museum in New York City, a museum
that was struggling financially. Under his ownership, the museum became immensely
popular.
 The American Museum was known for its collection of oddities, curiosities, and "freak"
show exhibits. Visitors could see a wide range of displays, from exotic animals to wax
figures and strange artifacts.
 Barnum used clever marketing tactics, such as newspaper advertising, to attract visitors.
He also introduced the concept of the "one-price" admission ticket, where a single ticket
provided access to all exhibits.

Fejee Mermaid and Other Hoaxes:

 Barnum's success was often fueled by hoaxes and sensational exhibits. Perhaps the most
famous was the "Fejee Mermaid," which he presented as a real mermaid. In reality, it was
a fabricated creation, part fish and part monkey.
 He was involved in several other hoaxes, such as the "Cardiff Giant," which was claimed
to be a petrified ancient giant but turned out to be a sculpture.

Circus Career and Partnerships:

 In the 1870s, Barnum entered the circus business. He merged his circus with James A.
Bailey's in 1881 to form "Barnum & Bailey's Circus," often called "The Greatest Show
on Earth."
 This partnership introduced innovations such as the three-ring circus format, which
allowed multiple acts to be performed simultaneously, and the use of a big top tent.

Promotion of Tom Thumb:

 One of Barnum's most famous attractions was General Tom Thumb (Charles Stratton), a
little person whom Barnum promoted as a celebrity. Tom Thumb traveled with Barnum
and even met with dignitaries and royalty around the world.

Philanthropy and Public Service:

  Despite his flamboyant career, Barnum was involved in public service and philanthropy.
He served as the mayor of Bridgeport, Connecticut, and as a member of the Connecticut
legislature.
 He was a vocal advocate for the abolition of slavery and, later in life, supported various
social and moral causes, including temperance and education.

Legacy and Influence:

 P.T. Barnum left a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment and marketing. His ability
to create buzz, promote hoaxes, and attract large audiences continues to influence the
world of advertising and entertainment.
 The Barnum & Bailey Circus, which he co-founded, operated until 2017, marking a
nearly 150-year history as one of the most famous circuses in the world.
 His life was the inspiration for the popular musical "Barnum."

P.T. Barnum's life was a mix of spectacle and entrepreneurial acumen, and his legacy endures
through his contributions to the world of entertainment and marketing.