A Message from Executive Director/Curator: Kathleen Maher of the Barnum Museum in Bridgeport, Connecticut (USA).
Join us for The Big Read, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts, designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. The NEA presents The Big Read in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and in cooperation with Arts Midwest.
The Big Read provides communities with the opportunity to read and discuss a single book. This year we will be reading Dashiell Hammett's 1930 detective novel, The Maltese Falcon.
Throughout The Big Read, major events are held free of charge to the public; events such as, adult lectures, book discussions, family programs, film screenings, theatrical readings, plays, museum exhibits and much more. Join us!
October 2009
Big Read Programs
Thursday, October 1 - Saturday, October 31
Mystery Hunt at The Museum
Barnum Museum
820 Main Street
Bridgeport, Ct 06604
10:00am - 4:30pm Daily
Sunday, 12:00pm-4:30pm
Come to The Barnum Museum and try your hand at being a detective. Create a detective badge and follow the clues to find the missing sculpture.
Thursday, October 1 - Saturday, October 31
Create a Bookmark!
Barnum Museum
820 Main Street
Bridgeport, Ct 06604
10:00am - 4:30pm Daily
Sunday, 12:00pm-4:30pm
Come on down to The Barnum Museum and create a bookmark; use it in your favorite book.
Sunday, October 4 - Saturday, October 31
Art of Deception, Exhibition
Barnum Museum
820 Main Street
Bridgeport, Ct 06604
10:00am - 4:30pm Daily
Sunday, 12:00pm-4:30pm
In collaboration with the Music and Arts Center for Humanity and the University of Bridgeport, The Barnum Museum will host an extraordinary collection of student art and writing that will speak to the themes of Dashiell Hammett's 1930 detective novel, The Maltese Falcon. Through visual exploration, the exhibition will challenge the viewer to look beyond the obvious to discover deeper meanings intended by the artists. The presentation will stimulate and inspiring creative and strategic thinking and offer the viewer an opportunity to experience new visions and ways of seeing.
Sunday, October 4
Art of Deception, Exhibition Opening Reception
Barnum Museum
820 Main Street
Bridgeport, Ct 06604
1:00pm - 4:00pm
Join us as we celebrate Bridgeport and Shelton's 3rd Annual National Endowment for the Arts Big Read! Setting the stage for one of the best detective novel's ever written, Dashiell Hammett's, The Maltese Falcon, award winning historian and author, Mark Albertson, will present the backdrop of this brilliant literary work. A thriller, love story, and dark comedy, The Maltese Falcon is fascinating and fun, while being deeply socially conscious.
Mr. Albertson is a lifelong buff of old movies: Citizen Kane, Casablanca, The Quiet Man, The Searchers, Twelve Angry Men, Inherit the Wind, A Walk in the Sun, to name just a few, but the Maltese Falcon is one of his favorite movies of all time. These movies represent an era when acting and dialogue were the prerequisites to superior filmmaking. Indeed, this truly was Golden Age of film.
Tuesday, October 6
Day Trip to Gillette Castle
Watermark
3030 Park Avenue
Bridgeport, Ct 06604
11:00am-4:00pm
Estimated time of departure 9:00am
Join us for a tour of one of Connecticut's extraordinary mansions, Gillette Castle. Born in Hartford, CT, William Gillette was aspired to perform on the stage from a young age. His family did not support his pursuit of acting as a profession, but he went on to make his own fortune writing, producing and starring in plays.
The eccentric Gillette, best known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, completed the medieval inspired castle in 1919, which features fascinating interior elements including hidden mirrors, intricate hand-carved doors, secret passages, and hidden compartments. Gillette chose to design and build his "castle," on the peak of the hills overlooking the Connecticut River as it widens near Long Island Sound. The glorious 24-room mansion is indeed reminiscent of a medieval fortress on the Rhine River, and its 184-acre natural surroundings are laced with pathways ideal for an easy walk with family and friends. *Gillette image source (1)
Thursday, October 8
Deception of Dress Lecture
Barnum Museum
820 Main Street
Bridgeport, Ct 06604
6:30pm-7:30pm
Barnum Museum Executive Director/Curator Kathleen Maher will discuss how fashion through the ages has served to enhance, exaggerate, embellish, and deceive. From 19th century hoops and bustles to the scandalous flapper age, the presentation will explore how the art of dress has transformed our ideals of beauty from generation to generation.
Saturday, October 10-November 21
Big Read Mystery Lab
Discovery Museum
4450 Park Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06604
10:00am-5:00pm
The Discovery Museum's Big Read Mystery Lab will bring out your inner detective, whether you're a puzzle-ponderer by nature or not. Visitors can gather clues and examine evidence to solve totally fictional, historically hokey "Crimes of Science". Included with general admission.
Saturday, October 10
Mystery In Our Life, Memoir Writing Class
Bridgeport Public Library Historical Collections
925 Broad Street
Bridgeport, Ct 06604
2:00pm-3:00pm
Participants share and write about their personal and family memories of how the stock market crash of 1929 impacted their lives and how they made it through the years of the Great Depression. Examine how the crash of 1929 has influenced us today as American's live through another challenging economic time.
Sunday, October 11 - November 22
Art of Deception, Special Exhibition
Barnum Museum
820 Main Street
Bridgeport, Ct 06604
10:00am - 4:30pm Daily
Sunday, 12:00pm-4:30pm
A special exhibition presented in the historic Blue Parlor period room at The Barnum Museum. Art of Deception will present the extraordinary moment in time just at the edge of America's Black Tuesday; the day the Stock Market crashed on October 24, 1929. Examining the carefree days of the pre-depression epoch, the exhibition will focus on the unbridled, frivolous attitude that captured much of society's imagination. Breaking free of strict 'Victorian' styles, the emergence of urban living, votes for women, automobiles, and radio, the exhibit will take you on a journey of society's self exploration and self indulgence. From Jazz to prohibition, flappers to gangsters, the age of the 'Roaring Twenties" set the stage for a modern America.
Thursday, October 15
The Maltese Falcon Film Showing
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
263 Golden Hill Street
Bridgeport, Ct 06604
7:00pm-9:00pm
One of the best detective novels ever written, Dashiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon is a brilliant literary work, as well as a thriller, a love story, and a dark, dry comedy. Mystery and intrigue set the stage for this 1941 classic.
Humphrey Bogart brings Hammett's legendary character, Sam Spade to life. Detective Spade becomes embroiled with a mysterious client, avenges the death of his partner, and chases a priceless treasure in this classic American private-eye novel. A "Talk Back" discussion with award winning historian and author, Mark Albertson, will immediately follow the film. Not rated - 101 minutes
Friday October 16
Ghost Hunter Lorraine Warren
CT Beardsley Zoo
1875 Noble Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06610
8:00pm-9:00pm
For over 45 years, Lorraine Warren has painstakingly investigated the realm of the supernatural throughout America, Europe, and Australia. Lorraine Warren and her late husband's investigative research on over 3,500 cases of psychic phenomena has convinced them beyond a shadow of a doubt of the existence of ghosts, demons, witches, satanists, vampires, and werewolves.
Held in the Carousel, doors open at 7:00 P.M.
Tickets are $20 and may be purchased in advance or at the door.
For tickets, call (203) 332-4243.
Friday- Thursday, October 16-17
Maltese Falcon 24 Hour Read-A-Thon
University of Bridgeport
124 Park Avenue
Bridgeport, Ct 06604
12:00pm-12:00pm
Beginning at Noon on October 16, a 24 hour read-a-thon will kick-off at the University of Bridgeport's campus. All are welcome to sign up to be a 'reader' of an assortment of excerpts from Dashiell Hammett's timeless mystery tales, as well as poems and narratives that compliment the themes of The Maltese Falcon.
Tuesday, October 20
Big Read for Little Tykes
Barnum Museum
820 Main Street
Bridgeport, Ct 06604
11:00am-12:00pm
Come to the Barnum Museum and listen to a mystery book. This program is geared for pre-k and includes making a craft at the end.
Thursday, October 22
City Lights Student Art Show
City Lights Gallery
37 Markle Ct
Bridgeport, Ct 06604
5:00pm-7:00pm
Illustrating the themes and symbols cloaked in the lines of Dashiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon, Bridgeport Public Schools students will present their artistic interpretations of the great detective story.
Friday- Thursday, October 16-17
Maltese Falcon 24 Hour Read-A-Thon
University of Bridgeport
124 Park Avenue
Bridgeport, Ct 06604
12:00pm-12:00pm
Beginning at Noon on October 16, a 24 hour read-a-thon will kick-off at the University of Bridgeport's campus. All are welcome to sign up to be a 'reader' of an assortment of excerpts from Dashiell Hammett's timeless mystery tales, as well as poems and narratives that compliment the themes of The Maltese Falcon.
Tuesday, October 20
Big Read for Little Tykes
Barnum Museum
820 Main Street
Bridgeport, Ct 06604
11:00am-12:00pm
Come to the Barnum Museum and listen to a mystery book. This program is geared for pre-k and includes making a craft at the end.
Thursday, October 22
City Lights Student Art Show
City Lights Gallery
37 Markle Ct
Bridgeport, Ct 06604
5:00pm-7:00pm
Illustrating the themes and symbols cloaked in the lines of Dashiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon, Bridgeport Public Schools students will present their artistic interpretations of the great detective story.
Thursday, October 23 and Friday, October 24
The Rocky Horror Show
Playhouse on the Green
177 State Street
Bridgeport, Ct 06604
8:00pm-10:30pm
12 Midnight-2:30am
It's Alive! Following last Fall's smash hit production, The Rocky Horror Show returns to the Playhouse on the Green. Experience this new Bridgeport tradition for the first time, or come "do the Time Warp Again!"
Monday, October 26
Tales of the Super-natural in Bridgeport's Palace and Majestic Theaters and other Locations
Barnum Museum
820 Main Street
Bridgeport, Ct 06604
7:00pm
Presented by The Bridgeport Community Historical Society, James Myers of the Paranormal Police will present a fascinating program featuring tales of super-natural episodes at the historic Palace and Majestic Theaters in Bridgeport. Join us for this wonderful and spine- chilling talk, and discover the mystery that surrounds many of the city's haunted places!
For more information and ticket prices, contact The Bridgeport Community Historical Society at (203) 332-5550, or (203) 371-6397.
Tuesday, October 27
Big Read for Little Readers
Barnum Museum
820 Main Street
Bridgeport, Ct 06604
2:00pm-3:00pm
Join us as we read a mystery book geared for K-3 and then make a craft for you to take home.
Wednesday, October 28
Mysteries of Bridgeport Past: Crime Stories That Will Chill Your Spine
Playhouse on the Green
177 State Street
Bridgeport, Ct 06604
6:30pm-7:00pm
Mary Witkowski, Bridgeport City Historian and the Head of the Historical Collections, Bridgeport Public Library and local acting talent from Playhouse on the Green will give accounts of historic 19th and 20th Century crimes in Bridgeport and their lurid stories. ***Be sure to checkout The Historical Collections of the Bridgeport Public Library Blog.
Friday, October 30
War of the Worlds Radio Broadcast
Barnum Museum
820 Main Street
Bridgeport, Ct
3:00pm-4:30pm
On October 30, 1938 a live radio broadcast of The War of the Worlds by Orson Welles and Mercury Theater caused mass hysteria. The broadcast, performed as a special Halloween presentation of H. G. Wells' 1898 science fiction novel The War of the Worlds, was remarkably realistic and lead thousands of listeners to believe that an actual Martian invasion was in progress. The program's 'news-bulletin' format was condemned as cruelly deceptive by many newspaper professionals and public officials, and, leading to an outcry against the perpetrators of the broadcast network. The episode; however, launched Orson Welles to legendary fame. Come and listen to an original version and decide for yourself!
Thursday, October 29
Friday, October 30Saturday, October 31
The Rocky Horror Show
Playhouse on the Green
177 State Street
Bridgeport, Ct 06604
8:00pm-10:30pm
It's Alive! Following last Fall's smash hit production, The Rocky Horror Show returns to the Playhouse on the Green. Experience this new Bridgeport tradition for the first time, or come "do the Time Warp Again!" This cult classic by Richard O'Brien is a mysterious, campy, sci-fi rock musical and features the local band Greasewheazer and hilarious audience interaction. It's perfect Halloween-time fun, and 3 special Midnight Shows give you the full Rocky experience!
Recommended for Mature Audiences. www.playhouseonthegreen.org
Saturday, October 24
CT Seaside Ghosts
Barnum Museum
820 Main Street
Bridgeport, Ct 06604
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Join us at the Museum for a fascinating journey into the mysterious. Donald Carter, a case researcher with the New England Paranormal Research Group will be giving a presentation based on his published book: Connecticut's Seaside Ghosts. Mr. Carter will not only give the background on local legends but will also show us the tools and technology used to unearth the information.
Saturday, October 24
CT Seaside Ghosts
Barnum Museum
820 Main Street
Bridgeport, Ct 06604
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Join us at the Museum for a fascinating journey into the mysterious. Donald Carter, a case researcher with the New England Paranormal Research Group will be giving a presentation based on his published book: Connecticut's Seaside Ghosts. Mr. Carter will not only give the background on local legends but will also show us the tools and technology used to unearth the information.
Monday, October 26
Tales of the Super-natural in Bridgeport's Palace and Majestic Theaters and other Locations
Barnum Museum
820 Main Street
Bridgeport, Ct 06604
7:00pm
Presented by The Bridgeport Community Historical Society, James Myers of the Paranormal Police will present a fascinating program featuring tales of super-natural episodes at the historic Palace and Majestic Theaters in Bridgeport. Join us for this wonderful and spine- chilling talk, and discover the mystery that surrounds many of the city's haunted places!
For more information and ticket prices, contact The Bridgeport Community Historical Society at (203) 332-5550, or (203) 371-6397.
Tuesday, October 27
Big Read for Little Readers
Barnum Museum
820 Main Street
Bridgeport, Ct 06604
2:00pm-3:00pm
Join us as we read a mystery book geared for K-3 and then make a craft for you to take home.
Wednesday, October 28
Mysteries of Bridgeport Past: Crime Stories That Will Chill Your Spine
Playhouse on the Green
177 State Street
Bridgeport, Ct 06604
6:30pm-7:00pm
Mary Witkowski, Bridgeport City Historian and the Head of the Historical Collections, Bridgeport Public Library and local acting talent from Playhouse on the Green will give accounts of historic 19th and 20th Century crimes in Bridgeport and their lurid stories. ***Be sure to checkout The Historical Collections of the Bridgeport Public Library Blog.
Friday, October 30
War of the Worlds Radio Broadcast
Barnum Museum
820 Main Street
Bridgeport, Ct
3:00pm-4:30pm
On October 30, 1938 a live radio broadcast of The War of the Worlds by Orson Welles and Mercury Theater caused mass hysteria. The broadcast, performed as a special Halloween presentation of H. G. Wells' 1898 science fiction novel The War of the Worlds, was remarkably realistic and lead thousands of listeners to believe that an actual Martian invasion was in progress. The program's 'news-bulletin' format was condemned as cruelly deceptive by many newspaper professionals and public officials, and, leading to an outcry against the perpetrators of the broadcast network. The episode; however, launched Orson Welles to legendary fame. Come and listen to an original version and decide for yourself!
Thursday, October 29
Friday, October 30
The Rocky Horror Show
Playhouse on the Green
177 State Street
Bridgeport, Ct 06604
8:00pm-10:30pm
12 Midnight-2:30am
It's Alive! Following last Fall's smash hit production, The Rocky Horror Show returns to the Playhouse on the Green. Experience this new Bridgeport tradition for the first time, or come "do the Time Warp Again!"
It's Alive! Following last Fall's smash hit production, The Rocky Horror Show returns to the Playhouse on the Green. Experience this new Bridgeport tradition for the first time, or come "do the Time Warp Again!" This cult classic by Richard O'Brien is a mysterious, campy, sci-fi rock musical and features the local band Greasewheazer and hilarious audience interaction. It's perfect Halloween-time fun, and 3 special Midnight Shows give you the full Rocky experience!
Recommended for Mature Audiences. www.playhouseonthegreen.org
Saturday, October 31
Phantom of the Opera Film Showing
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
263 Golden Hill Street
Bridgeport, Ct 06604
5:30pm & 8:30pm Shows
This 1943 version of the classic tale is filmed "In Flaming Technicolor" and stars Nelson Eddy, Susanna Foster and Claude Rains as the Phantom.
For more information contact:
Kathleen Maher
Executive Director/Curator
The Barnum Museum
820 Main Street
Bridgeport, CT 06604
Telephone: (203)331-1104
Email: kmaher@barnum-museum.org
or visit website: www.barnum-museum.org
Phantom of the Opera Film Showing
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
263 Golden Hill Street
Bridgeport, Ct 06604
5:30pm & 8:30pm Shows
This 1943 version of the classic tale is filmed "In Flaming Technicolor" and stars Nelson Eddy, Susanna Foster and Claude Rains as the Phantom.
BYOBeverage & PICNIC!
Not Rated - 92 minutes.
Tickets are on sale now for this performance. (203) 576-1636
Saturday, October 31
Come in Costume, Get in Free!
The Barnum Museum
820 Main Street
Bridgeport, Ct 06604
10:00am - 4:30pm
Children of all ages! If you come to The Barnum Museum dressed in your Halloween Costume, your admission is Free! You will also receive a free red clown nose as a special Halloween treat!
Saturday, October 31
Come in Costume, Get in Free!
The Barnum Museum
820 Main Street
Bridgeport, Ct 06604
10:00am - 4:30pm
Children of all ages! If you come to The Barnum Museum dressed in your Halloween Costume, your admission is Free! You will also receive a free red clown nose as a special Halloween treat!
For more information contact:
Kathleen Maher
Executive Director/Curator
The Barnum Museum
820 Main Street
Bridgeport, CT 06604
Telephone: (203)331-1104
Email: kmaher@barnum-museum.org
or visit website: www.barnum-museum.org
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