Bridgeport, CT - The Barnum Museum YouTube channel is thrilled to announce that Betsy Golden Kellem, the talented scholar of the unusual and host of "Showman's Shorts," has been awarded the prestigious New England Emmy Award for Best Performer/Narrator. This esteemed recognition comes as a testament to Betsy's remarkable storytelling abilities and the outstanding production of the series.
About Betsy Golden Kellem:
Betsy Golden Kellem is more than just a host; she is a ‘scholar of the unusual’. With her remarkable background as a historian and media attorney, Betsy deeply understands P.T. Barnum's legacy and its significance in American history. As a board member of the Barnum Museum and the Circus Historical Society, she has immersed herself in the world of circus and showmanship, contributing her expertise to various esteemed publications like The Atlantic, Vanity Fair, Smithsonian, and The Washington Post.
Showman's Shorts - Unraveling History with Betsy Golden Kellem:
"Showman's Shorts," a captivating YouTube series, is the brainchild of the Barnum Museum. Launched to share the world of P.T. Barnum with a broader audience during the museum's renovation period, the series has become a remarkable success, thanks to the remarkable talent of Betsy Golden Kellem.
Drawing from the unparalleled collections of the Barnum Museum, Betsy Golden Kellem's deeply researched scripts and exceptional storytelling skills captivate audiences, making little-known but culturally significant moments in local and national history accessible and engaging. As the host of the series, Betsy's dynamic performance and insightful narratives have been instrumental in bringing history to life and sparking interest in the world of P.T. Barnum.
The series adheres to P.T. Barnum's vision of "instructive entertainment," where Betsy uses her exceptional storytelling gift and meticulously researched scripts to shed light on lesser known yet culturally significant moments in both local and national history. By combining her passion for history with the unique collections of the Barnum Museum, Betsy brings to life the extraordinary world of America's "greatest showman" in a way that is accessible, engaging, and enlightening.
Recognizing Excellence:
The New England Emmy Award for Best Performer/Narrator is a testament to Betsy Golden Kellem's dedication and passion for her craft. The award acknowledges her outstanding contributions to the world of digital media and her remarkable ability to educate and entertain audiences with her historical expertise.
Supporting Partners:
"Showman's Shorts" is a collaborative effort made possible with the support of CT Humanities, the City of Bridgeport ARPA Arts Funding, and M&T Bank. These partnerships have allowed the Barnum Museum to expand its reach and engage with audiences across various digital platforms. The success of "Showman's Shorts" would not have been possible without the skillful direction and editing provided by Rui Pinho and Will Sarris. Their creative contributions have enhanced the series and further elevated Betsy's compelling performances.
Continuing the Legacy:
Expressions of Gratitude:
The Barnum Museum YouTube channel extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the viewers, supporters, and partners who have been instrumental in the success of "Showman's Shorts" and Betsy Golden Kellem's Emmy Award. Together, they have helped create a space where history comes alive and inspires the world.
“What amazing recognition! Bravo! We are so thrilled and truly grateful to Betsy and our media team for dedicating their time and contributing their stellar talents to the Museum's YouTube programming! We are sincerely thankful to the New England Emmy Awards for this great honor and for recognizing the immense creativity and skill of our small but mighty team. As the historic Barnum Museum undergoes its massive restoration and re-envisioning, these fabulous videos are our connection to our community and global audiences and a huge round of applause for this wonderful accomplishment!” - Kathleen Maher, Executive Director of the Barnum Museum.
ABOUT THE BARNUM MUSEUM:
The Barnum Museum in Bridgeport, CT is the last surviving establishment attributed to the extraordinary American icon, Phineas Taylor Barnum (1810-1891). The Museum anticipates National Historic Landmark designation by the National Parks Services in 2023.
Originally established by P.T. Barnum to promote artistic and cultural heritage, and to celebrate scientific advancements in American technology, the Museum was intended to inspire the public to reach beyond the limits of ordinary expectations, and to see the world as a place of curiosity, opportunity, knowledge and wonder. Barnum’s story is a fascinating exploration of 19th century social, commercial, political and industrial history, and his tale begins long before his circus enterprise was created in 1872. He was an entrepreneur, museum proprietor, business leader, political leader, urban developer, community benefactor, philanthropist, temperance leader, emancipationist, lecturer and author. Barnum was committed to the intellectual and cultural development of society, and was a voice for the pursuit of freedom, choice and knowledge.
The Barnum Museum is currently under construction and renovation and not open to the general public at this time. We miss you and apologize for this inconvenience, but a new, immersive, 21st century Barnum Museum is on the horizon. This is the largest, most comprehensive historic restoration in the Museum’s 130 year-old history. During this time, we welcome you to tune into our YouTube Channel (//www.youtube.com/@BarnumMuseum/videos">https://www.youtube.com/@BarnumMuseum/videos>) for new content and updates every week.