The Barnum's American Museum Illustrated

Barnum's American Museum Illustrated Magazine
New York: 1850
Rare Book & Special Collections Division (207.8)

Impressario Phineas Taylor Barnum's (1810-1891) American Museum was an institution that exhibited natural history specimens, oddities, paintings, wax figures, amusements, and memorabilia. It was located, from 1841 to 1865, at the corner of Broadway and Ann Street in New York City. The museum was visited by working class and upper-class citizens of the city as well as those in rural areas. After the museum closed due to a fire, Barnum produced the circus, for which he is known today. Shown is the museums magazine produced during the height of the museum's popularity.