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During the 1850’s and 1860’s, life was moving steadily in an industrial direction and the civil war was quickly approaching as well. Simple pleasures were becoming more and more distant as the advancement of technology was replacing the more ancient/ less involved ways of enjoying ones self. The Barnum’s museum, however, backtracked to appeal to society the simplicity of basic interest.

Barnum’s museum contained unusual oddities like mermaid skeletons, wax sculptures, The “Slave Owner Conspiracy”, and other items made to cause controversy among those who viewed them. It was called a “man trap”, a place all those of corruption and deceit went to spend their time. Barnum’s museum became a place of no respect, and no respect was given to those who went there. Yet, society was fascinated by it, and people came by the hundreds to examine the contents.

Perhaps one reason why it was considered so controversial was the strong science vs. religion battle over controversy. Before the overwhelming ness of technology, people easily explained things that were thought of as unexplainable by saying it was the work of God. As said in a 1865 article of The Nation, not just those thrilled by the bizarre attended this museum, “ The host of readers whose favorite reading is natural science, the armies of listeners to lectures on geology, that large proportion of our boys and young men who collect and study “specimens” of minerals all belong to it.” Scientists were deeply as interested as religious fanatics. Religious people were afraid the items in the museum could be explained by science, and some of the scientists were afraid to say that it could be. Therefore, both groups were drawn to the museum out of uncertainty.

Another reason the museum took off so well could be because it seemed as if it was always associated with negativity. For example, The Nation stated after it burned down that, “The worst and most corrupt classes of our people must seek some new place of resort, and other opportunities of meeting one another.” It was said that only those with poor morals would be bold enough as to go to a museum of such low class, cheap excuses for entertainment. When one is told an activity or place is bad, they are instantly intrigued to know why that is, what makes it so bad, and want to see it for themselves. It is certain many people slipped into the museum just to fill their own deep curiosities about the negative press the museum got.

Simplicity, religion, science, and negativity all drew people into Barnum’s world. With so much controversy surrounding his museum, it is no wonder that Barnum is known as the father of modern entertainment.