THE BALLOON MAN

Grant helps restore damaged Barnum circus posters

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded nine “Save America’s Treasures” grants. The Bridgeport History Center at the Bridgeport Public Library received $26,703 for preservation, conservation and digitization of the History Center’s collection of 47 Barnum and London circus posters. Photo: Contributed Photo / Connecticut Post Contributed

Katheryn Sillo, Staff WriterSunday,
April 24, 2011
BRIDGEPORT -- Barnum circus posters, which date to the late 19th century, will be restored and digitized thanks to a grant awarded to the Bridgeport History Center.
As one of this year's "Save America's Treasures" grant recipients, Bridgeport received $26,703 from The Institute of Museum and Library Services to restore its collection of 47 Barnum and London circus posters.
"These posters are amazing," said Mary Witkowski, Bridgeport city historian and head of the Bridgeport History Center.
"They show a lot of the culture from the time. They are really essential. Bridgeport isn't just Bridgeport. There is so much more of a national significance here."
Bridgeport is the historic home of showman and one-time mayor P.T. Barnum as well as the site of the original winter quarters of the Barnum & Bailey Circus.
The winter quarters were located where Went Field now stands.
Witkowski said receiving the grant money is an honor. "The award touches the community's heart more so when one realizes that this year, 2011, marks the 175th anniversary of the City of Bridgeport," she said.
Elizabeth Van Tuyl, assistant librarian and archivist, said the posters require treatment from professional paper conservators. The posters are being restored by the Northeast Document Conservation Center in Andover, Mass.
"We chose this conservation center because it is well established with a good reputation," she said.
"This center will do a good job in maintaining the integrity and history of these items."
After being treated, the posters will then be professionally photographed for the library's use and other website and catalog use for the public. Van Tuyl said the work could take up to a year to complete.
According to Witkowski, half of the cost comes from the grant and the other half has to be matched by the grant recipient.
The library has been raising funds for the restoration effort.
"We share our artifacts with the rest of the world,'' she said.
"Digitizing the posters will allow us to continue to collaborate with institutions across the globe."Read more: http://www.ctpost.com/default/article/Grant-helps-restore-damaged-Barnum-circus-posters-1350699.php#ixzz1KWzqx1YT