Document: Bridgeport Hospital decree honoring P.T. Barnum after his death, April 1891

Decree issued by the Bridgeport Hospital honoring P.T. Barnum, dated to April 9, 1891. Barnum helped to found the hospital and was a member of the board for a number of years. This decree was issued following Barnum's death and pledges that members of the hospital will be present at Barnum's funeral. It also pledges that a copy of the minutes that lead to this decree is to be passed on to the Barnum family. It is signed by hospital Vice President D.N. Morgan and attested to by Jason B. Gregory. 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. This decree speaks to Barnum's civic engagement, as he was involved with the hospital's founding and remained a supporter until his death.