Program: "In Memorium" card for P.T. Barnum
1891 (Date manufactured/created)
Paper Documentary Artifact
3.5 in H
X
4.75 in W
Memorial card from P.T. Barnum's memorial service. Barnum died in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on April 7, 1891. The ivory color card has a wide border of black, indicating its use for mourning. The small card is folded in half and titled on the front, "In Memoriam." Inside, the card is printed with elaborate script. The lefthand panel reads, "Not my will but thine be done," a phrase Barnum also requested be carved on his tombstone. According to his widow, Nancy Fish Barnum, he said these words during the last few weeks of his illness. The righthand panel gives Barnum's full name, birth date, place of death, and date of death. Memorial items such as this were typically given to mourners during the Victorian era, but even today memorial cards or other mementos of the departed are often given out at funerals.
P. T. Barnum died on April 7, 1891 after having suffered what was believed to be a stroke in November of 1890 from which he never fully recovered. Notably, he had his obituary published on March 24, 1891, by the New York Tribune so that he could read it before he passed, and he spent the last few weeks of his life receiving visits from friends and giving them gifts. Barnum planned his own funeral service, which was held at South Church in Bridgeport because it could accommodate the large number of mourners anticipated. The service reflected Barnum's Universalist faith. His coffin was carried from the church to Mountain Grove Cemetery, located on the west side of Bridgeport. Elegantly landscaped and featuring grand entrance gates of stone and wrought iron, the cemetery was founded and designed by Barnum and others in 1849.
P. T. Barnum died on April 7, 1891 after having suffered what was believed to be a stroke in November of 1890 from which he never fully recovered. Notably, he had his obituary published on March 24, 1891, by the New York Tribune so that he could read it before he passed, and he spent the last few weeks of his life receiving visits from friends and giving them gifts. Barnum planned his own funeral service, which was held at South Church in Bridgeport because it could accommodate the large number of mourners anticipated. The service reflected Barnum's Universalist faith. His coffin was carried from the church to Mountain Grove Cemetery, located on the west side of Bridgeport. Elegantly landscaped and featuring grand entrance gates of stone and wrought iron, the cemetery was founded and designed by Barnum and others in 1849.
EL 1988.034.002