Richard Hayden has tackled some important renovation projects. The Fairfield resident is chairman of Swanke Hayden Connell Architects, which has handled historic preservation projects for such landmarks as New Yorks Bowery Savings Bank and the Statue of Liberty. But his next task hits much closer to home. Hes charged with repairing the damage to Bridgeports Barnum Museum from a tornado that ripped through the city last June.
P.T. Barnum commissioned the Main Street museum just before his death in 1891. Two years later, the Barnum Institute of Science and History opened its doors. The building is now on the National Register of Historic Places, both for its historical significance and its stunning architecture, which combines Byzantine, Islamic, Romanesque and other styles.
Anyone who can take five different styles of architecture from many different centuries, and put them all together, and turn out such a magnificent structure it had to be Barnum, Hayden said.
Museum Curator and Executive Director Kathleen Maher remembers the panic she felt June 24. A sudden tornado spun through downtown Bridgeport that afternoon, causing damage to countless buildings throughout the city. Getting back to the museum, I thought, God, let that dome still be standing, Maher said.
The large dome atop the museum is still in one piece, but the tornados winds shifted it off its structural footing. The buildings windows were piles of shattered glass. And pieces of debris are still firmly wedged into the stone and terra cotta exterior.
But Maher is taking the near disaster as an opportunity. Not only will it repair the tornado damage, but Swanke Hayden Connell will also plot out a full renovation of the museums exhibition space. The rebuild will take two years and at least $15 million. Benefactors from the Fairfield County Community Fund, the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, Peoples United Community Foundation and other local charities said the project is worth it.
When were done, this museum will be even better than the one our children experienced, said Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch.
Do you have fond memories of visiting the Barnum Museum? Share them in the comments below.
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