The Man Behind Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus

In honor of his 200th birthday, the Ward Melville Heritage Organization is hosting an exhibit “Celebrating P.T. Barnum … The Man.” Still familiar to all in connection with Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Phineas Taylor Barnum was most notably regarded as the Great American Showman, but he was also a mayor, entrepreneur and developer. Wonderful items are on loan from The Barnum Museum in Bridgeport, Conn., including authentic memorabilia of Jenny Lind (pictured here) and Tom Thumb. The grand opening of the exhibit is July 12, 12-4pm. It will run through August 23, open 10am-5pm daily. $5 adults; $3 children under 12. Ward Melville Heritage Organization, Main Street, Stony Brook. 631-751-2244. www.wmho.org.