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As part of the museum's "Sneak Peek" program, an informal lecture series focusing on items that are rarely on display, attendees will get an insider's look at Herald of Freedom newspapers from the early 1830s and learn how famous showman P.T. Barnum was sued for libel. This event will be held Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 12:15 p.m. (no registration required). Visitors are encouraged to bring their lunch (along with a $3 suggested donation).
Few people know that when Barnum was in his early 20s, he began publishing his own newspaper to circulate the democratic voice of the new nation. On Oct.19, 1831, the first issue of the Herald of Freedom was printed in Danbury, sparking tempers and controversy and putting Barnum in prison for 60 days.
At 7 p.m. on the same day, a discussion of The Remarkable Courtship of General Tom Thumb will be presented by distinguished Fairfield University professor emeritus and author Nicholas Rinaldi.
Rinaldi is the author of three previous novels: Bridge Fall Down, The Jukebox Queen of Malta and Between Two Rivers and three collections of poetry.
No registration is required for the program, which is suggested for adults ages 18 or older. There is a $3 suggested donation. Barnum Museum members, Fairfield University students and professors are all free. Contact info@barnum-museum.org or call 203-331-1104, Ext. 100, for more information.
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