The Greatest Showman: Fact vs. Fiction

[@josephlucianosr.5941]

Powerful presentation, Kathy Maher! Many times I enjoyed visiting the museum, with its miniature diorama of a circus and the "egress" signs. Here's hoping the fundraising budget is adequate for providing accessibility to people of all abilities - including persons with disabilities.

[@illmerica322]

I personally enjoyed the movie. With all of the documentaries and books I've watched and read on Barnum I was able to point out some Hollywood liberties taken while watching the movie, but I did enjoy the movie...

[@kathleenmary1000]

I totally enjoyed the movie too! History goofs aside, they did a great job capturing Barnum's spirit! Cheers! K

[@mjtruth1039]

I’ve read lots of people saying Barnum was a horrible person. I don’t think he was a horrible person, though. What about you guys? What do you think of him as a person?

[@kathleenmary1000]

Thanks for writing! So much of what is commonly known about Barnum was crafted in the 20th century. Folks don't realize he's dead by 1891, and most of his long and complex life is hardly a footnote in modern perception. Barnum is a man of his time (1810-1891) and humanity has come a long way these 200 years. But I do agree with you. Mr. Barnum made wonderful contributions to causes that advanced who we are and how we live today. Thanks so much!

[@mjtruth1039]

@@kathleenmary1000 No problem. The only thing he did that even during his time was horrible was the whole Joice Heth thing. I’ve actually read that he not only regretted it, but became a passionate abolitionist, too. Barnum is a man I respect a lot. Both as a person, since he almost certainly treated his curiosities like family, and as a business man.

[@abigailplays5140]

Did he actually have his kids in the movie that young during the circus?

[@kathleenmary1000]

Great question! No😏. By the time the Greatest Show started in the 1870s, Barnum and (his wife) Charity's daughters were 30-40 year old adult women. And actually, they had four daughters. Sadly, but not unusual of the mid nineteenth century, their daughter Frances passes before she was two. Many thanks for your question!

[@abigailplays5140]

@@kathleenmary1000 Thank you for replying!

[@FlameyFiredog]

My name is leah im am 13 years old and i found out about barnum through the greatest showman and recently i have wanted to learn as much as i can about him to the point where i bought the barnum autobiography

[@BarnumMuseum]

That is so awesome! We're so glad you're taking an interest in Barnum! Take a look at some of our other videos and PLEASE let us know if we can answer anything for you! It might give us an idea for a video!