Mark your calendars . . .

Path of a Patriot: 

The Political Journey of Mr. B

Discussion and book signing

On Thursday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m., The Barnum Museum will present a talk by legendary Connecticut Republican insider Frederick K. Biebel about his book, Path of a Patriot: The Political Journey of Mr. B.

The 82-year-old Biebel, former Chair of the Connecticut Republican party, Deputy National Chairman of the Republican Party and President of the Barnum Festival, retired just three years ago from his position as director of the governor’s Southwestern office in Bridgeport. Biebel is a GOP power broker, who was a guest of President George W. Bush at last year’s White House Christmas party and has been rubbing elbows with the political elite – or helping them get elected – for five decades. He still has strong opinions about government and politics.

"But as I wrote the book ... and stopped ... and started writing again numerous times,” reflected Biebel, “I began to realize it was important to write about the generations of my family, on both sides, who were actively involved in this nation’s founding, even going back to the Mayflower itself."

Biebel is like a walking encyclopedia of the nation’s political history in the second half of the 20th century and said that he wrote the book in part, to provide a record of that experience. Another theme Biebel stresses in his book is how important it is for young people to learn and know their heritage.

The Barnum Museum has three floors of absolutely fascinating exhibits that illustrate the extraordinary life of Phineas Taylor Barnum. P.T. Barnum, one-term mayor of Bridgeport and four-term member of the Connecticut General Assembly, was born July 5, 1810 in Bethel and died April 7, 1891 in Bridgeport. The original museum building, owned by the City of Bridgeport, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is handicap accessible.

What: The Path of a Patriot: The Political Journey of Mr. B

When: Thursday, May 7 starting at 6:30 p.m.

Where: The Barnum Museum, 820 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT

Cost: The event is free with General Admission Adults: $7, Seniors and college students: $5, Children 4 - 17: $4, Under 4: Free

Regular Barnum Museum Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Sunday, Noon - 4:30 p.m.

Call 203-331-1104 ext. 102 or 

visit www.barnum-museum.org

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