Online from the BHC: Digital Collections
The BHC maintains a variety of online sources related to the department’s holdings. Please check this site for links to online exhibits from the BHC.
The P.T. Barnum Research Collection
Over a thousand items from the Bridgeport History Center and the Barnum Museum collections: advertisements, books, magazines, manuscripts, newspapers, photographs, prints, programs, records, sheet music, and souvenirs — all available through the Connecticut Digital Archives!
Oral Histories – Afro American Educators’ Association
From 1982-1983, Bridgeport’s Afro-American Educators’ Association conducted interviews with black residents of Bridgeport as part of a project funded by the Connecticut Humanities Council. The project aims to examine the social and economic impacts on Bridgeport’s African-American residents during World War I, the Depression, World War II, and the 1960s.
Oral Histories – Bridgeport Cultural Arts Center
Full audio and transcripts: Michelle Black-Smith Tompkins; Ralph Williams; Yohuru Williams; Wendy Bridgeforth; Richard Stamats; Cyril Lamont Williams; Teddy Daniel Gardner; Lucinda Anderson; Patricia Carey; Ryan Grant
Oral Histories – Bridgeport Living History, 1984 – Dept. of Youth Services Project
In the summer of 1984, the City of Bridgeport’s Human Resources Development, Department of Youth Services conducted an ambitious project to train Bridgeport youth to conduct oral history interviews with older city residents. The goal of the projects was multi-fold: to encourage “respect and understanding between the two targeted groups; increase youths’ and the community’s knowledge of the city; improve Bridgeport’s public image; and assisting businesses in introducing new employees to Bridgeport.”
Oral Histories – Bridgeport Working: Voices from the Twentieth Century
Currently available, full audio and full transcripts with chapters: John Arcudi; Angela Baldino; Hillard Bloom; Frank Bridgeforth; Richard Fewell; Emmett Johnson; Elizabeth Josephson; David Kelly; Helen Mensch-Mott; Edna Smith
Photographs – Street Scenes
Photographic images taken from the History Center’s general photograph collection. Check back each month for new additions
Bridgeport News Column – “From the Historical Collections”
History Center Head Emeritus Mary K. Witkowski wrote over 400 articles for the Bridgeport News during her tenure at the BHC. From the Historical Collections articles explore many facets of Bridgeport history –people, places, and things– from the renowned to the quirky, and will take readers on a delightful journey through the City’s past. More articles are being added each week from this vast catalog, so check back regularly
The Postcard Collection: Vintage Views of Bridgeport
Hundreds of postcards from the Bridgeport History Center’s collections
Civil War Sketchbook: Connecticut’s 8th Volunteer Regiment and the Burnside Expedition
Watercolor, pencil, and ink depictions of General Burnside’s expedition in North Carolina, 1861-62, by eyewitness Corporal Joseph Shadek, CV8th, Company A.
“Barnum and London” Circus Poster Collection
Posters produced for the Barnum and London Circus by the Strobridge Lithograph Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, 1882-1885.
The World War One Collection: Bridgeport during WWI
Photographs taken on the home front in Bridgeport during the WWI era. Subject areas include liberty bonds, military exercises, parades and more.
Bridgeport Public Library: Images Across the Years
A collection of exterior and interior photographs of the various Bridgeport Public Library buildings over the years.
Bicycle Clubs in Bridgeport: Rolling with the Times
At the turn of the last Century, there were several bicycle clubs in Bridgeport. These groups took outings to city parks and the surrounding countryside. Here are some images of the members and their equipment.