The Beginning – The Process – The Celebration
By Patricia A. Rist, President
Bethel Historical Society
Where did this all begin? In 2007, at a Board Meeting of the Bethel Historical Society, the conversation came around to 2010 and how should we celebrate the birth of P.T. Barnum. After all,
2010 would be his 200th birthday. In 2007 we had not envisioned
where we would be today and today is very exciting.
I was familiar with the work of David Gesualdi, a local sculptor, since he had created a war memorial that stands in front of Bethel’s Municipal Center. The next step was to call and meet David face-to-face and I could not have been happier with his response.
David had been preparing sketches in the hope that he would
be approached to participate in a project celebrating Barnum.
The process began with one maquette for our Board Meeting with two additional maquettes to follow. The designs were placed in the Bethel Public Library over the summer of 2008, where the public
was asked to cast their vote. The design chosen shows
Barnum stepping forward, top hat held high,
reaching out to his next challenge.
The Bethel Historical Society is grateful to the Bethel Public Library, Bethel Women’s Club, Bethel Garden Club, Bethel Land Trust,
Bongo the Silent Magician, and to our numerous sponsors for
providing the funding and in-kind services who helped make
this celebration a reality. |
P.T. Barnum
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.....Born July 5th 1810
in
Bethel, Connecticut. P.T. Barnum
became the Greatest Show Man in
the world.
................
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LISTEN To him Speak |
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Best known for the
Oddities
which he
presented and
his legacy of
the
Ringling Bros.,
Barnum and Bailey Circus
all of
which brought
joy and
laughter to millions worldwide.
The Bethel Historical Society is an all volunteer group and is located in the 1842 Second Meeting House at 40 Main Street. The Bethel Historical Society Museum contains many items attributed to her most famous citizen, P.T. Barnum, who remained in Bethel until 1835. |
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