Bridgeport, CT Tourist Attractions
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Bridgeport (pop. 142,000) has a museum devoted to the celebrated showman and circus proprietor Phineas T. Barnum. Greenwich to the south-west, on the other hand, is an attractive holiday resort with some fine restaurants.
Boothe Memorial Park and Museum, Stratford, Connecticut
The Boothe home was built in the 1820s. In the 1900s two brothers, David Beach Boothe and Stephen Nichols Boothe, created the Boothe Memorial Museum which maintains a collection of buildings on this 32 acre site. Some of the structures include a carriage house, Americana Museum, miniature lighthouse and windmill, a clocktower museum, trolley station, chapel, blacksmith shop, and a variety of other interesting buildings.The estate was willed to the town of Stratford following the death of the Boothe brothers. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Boothe Memorial Astronomomical Society
Located in Boothe Memorial Park, the Society allows visitors to observe through the 16" Cassegrain and 4" Unitron Refractor telescopes. The society began in 1953 as a means of helping individuals learn how to use their own equipment, and teaching beginners how to navigate the night sky.
Barnum Museum
The museum is a celebration of the life of P. T. Barnum. Located in an 1893 Gothic style building, the museum features exhibits based on the themes of "Barnum the Man", "Barnum's Bridgeport" and "Showman to the World".On display is Barnum's most famous invention, the Three Ring Circus, as well as exhibits on General Tom Thumb and Jenny Lind. Changing exhibits are also presented.The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Beardsley Zoo
Beardsley Zoo is a 33 acre facility, home to a variety of animals, primarily from North and South America. There are more than 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species.
City Lights Gallery
City Lights Gallery was established in 2004 to feature local, regional and emerging artists. Events include open studio workshop, lunch time art demonstrations, concerts and opening receptions.
Discovery Museum
Discovery Museum offers hands-on interactive art and science displays. The Challenger Learning Center deals with space missions. There is also a planetarium as well as educational programs.
