Themes in American History

While journeying through the Barnum Museum I was intrigued with the many artifacts, newspaper clips and portraits to view and research.  It seems that entertainment in 19th century NYC revolved around looking at people and things that were not the “norm”.  There was a widespread of curiosity towards the ideas of mermaids, over weight people, “albinoes” and things of that sort.  Culturally the museum seems a bit biased in that there is nothing promoting a positive image of any race apart from whites.  It was interesting to find a newspaper article dated February 27, 1849 in the New York Tribune giving permission to allow only a special class of “colored people” into the museum.  However they were only allotted a certain time frame and date for which they were allowed admittance.  The museum was informative in giving information about one aspect of entertainment in NYC history.  It was a bit difficult to navigate through the virtual museum and i found the “archive” tool extremely helpful in finding information.  

Tags: Barnum Museum, Notice to persons of Color

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