National First Ladies' Library
Social Studies: Who Burned Down Barnum's Museum?
Learners examine the social conflict of the 19th century and the destruction of the American Museum. In pairs, they conduct Internet research and attempt to solve the mystery of who burned down the museum. Clues to the mystery are found...
Curated OER
"The Father of Lavish Advertising": P.T. Barnum
Students examine the life and work of P.T. Barnum. They discover his advertising techniques and business practices. They examine his use of people with disabilities for amusement.
Other
Barnum Museum
This website gives information on P.T. Barnum himself and special exhibits like Jumbo, the African elephant, and Tom Thumb.
Digital History
Digital History: The Birth of American Popular Culture
American popular culture was many-faceted prior to the Civil War. Find out about the explosion of the number of newspapers and magazines, the many kinds of popular entertainment, and even phrenology as entertainment.
Digital History
Digital History: The Birth of American Popular Culture
A description of many different forms of popular culture in the first half of the 19th century ranging from sensationalized newspapers to dime novels to pseudoscience. Read about Stephen Foster's music, theatrical productions, and even...
City University of New York
The Lost Museum
P.T. Barnum's American Museum was mysteriously destroyed by fire on July 13, 1865. The museum has been digitally recreated and you are invited to take a virtual tour. If you choose to register you can solve the mystery of who burned it...
Other
History Magazine: Step Right Up!
History Magazine examines the America's love affair with the circus. Outstanding article about the history of the circus. Find links to other sources.
Other
Times: Recreation at the Crossroads of the World
Good site for historical overview of the rise and fall of the New York Hippodrome. Also mentions a one of its early productions, "A Yankee Circus on Mars".