Physical object: Temperance medal presented to P. T. Barnum

Engraved gold medal presented to P. T. Barnum in 1850 by Father Theobald Mathew, an Irish priest and Temperance leader, in recognition of Barnum's support of the Temperance Movement. Although Barnum drank wine and liquor well into his adult life, in his late 30s he finally came to realize that alcohol had a bad effect upon his behavior, and was destroying his marriage as well as his business relationships. In 1848 Barnum heard Universalist clergyman Edwin Chapin speak to a Bridgeport audience about alcoholism, and after a sleepless night of soul searching, Barnum told Chapin he wished to take the teetotalers pledge. Barnum took up the cause against drinking and gave many lectures on the subject. The handmade 18-karat gold presentation medal is the size of a large coin and has a narrow rim with a reeded edge. A scroll element decorates the top curve upon which a rigid loop is attached for a cord or narrow ribbon. The medal is artistically engraved employing a variety of letter styles and sizes. The amount of text on both sides is dense, and includes the Temperance pledge. The front of the medal features an engraved ribbon banner at the top with the Latin words "IN HOC ​SIGNO VINCES" ("In this sign, conquer."). Below the banner is a cross with fine lines radiating from behind as if illuminating it. Beneath the cross is the word "PLEDGE" and below it, the following: "I promise with the Divine assistance to abstain from all intoxicating liquors and to prevent as much as possible by advice and example intemperance in others." On the back the medal reads: "Presented by Father Mathew to P. T. Barnum, Esq. as a trifling mark of personal esteem and grateful recognition of his zealous labors in the promotion and advocacy of Temperance." The jeweler who made the medal is unknown. This medal was given to the museum in 2015; Barnum had given the medal to a grandson, and it was subsequently given to a friend and admirer of Barnum's and passed down to successive generations, father to son, with the donor being the last recipient.