Invitation to P.T. Barnum's 80th birthday party, donated to the Fairfield County Historical Society by P.T. Barnum himself. The envelope confirms... Show moreInvitation to P.T. Barnum's 80th birthday party, donated to the Fairfield County Historical Society by P.T. Barnum himself. The envelope confirms this fact in Barnum's own handwriting. The invitation offers a To [blank] before giving information about the dinner to be given at 1:00 on July 5, 1890 at Sherwood's Pavilion in Seaside Park. At the top is additional handwriting from Barnum. Phineas Taylor (P.T.) Barnum (July 5, 1810 - April 7, 1891) is primarily associated with the Barnum and Bailey Greatest Show on Earth. However, Barnum only began to focus on the circus in 1871. Prior to that he managed the American Museum in New York City from 1842-1868, was an elected official, mayor of Bridgeport, philanthropist, promoter, newspaper editor, and investor, among many, many other things. He promoted an image of himself along with his various ventures, which changed throughout the years, and was a celebrity in his own right. Show less