Historic Happenings Blog

P.T. Barnum: The Master Showman P.T. BARNUM: THE MASTER SHOWMAN. A fully staged one-man Entertainment About this Event Neill Hartley portrays master showman P.T. Barnum in this exciting and entertaining look at one of the most colorful and well-known personalities of all time, who brought high and low culture to all of America. A brilliant and shameless promoter, Barnum gave the wise public of the 19th-century shameless hucksterism, peerless spectacle, and everything in between -- enough entertainment to earn the title "master showman" a dozen times over. Barnum weathered accusations of fraud with the attitude that there was no such thing as bad press, and he became one of the richest men in America. Audiences will watch his fame grow with a parade of freaks and oddities from “The Fejee Mermaid”, the tiny General Tom Thumb to Jumbo the elephant and then share his crowning success: “The Greatest Show on Earth! Following the performance, there is a short informational section a...

Saturday, November 16  - Farmingdale, Monmouth County The Magic of Lionel at Allaire Neill Hartley portrays Joshua Lionel Cowen in this magical one-man show about the founding and history of one of the greatest toy companies ever created! On Saturday from 4:00 - 5:30 pm, follow his climb to the top of the toy industry, as he creates Lionel Toy Trains, one of the most beloved and successful toy companies of all time. Experience the magic of toy trains and the timeless pleasure of model railroading. Learn about Joshua Lionel Cowen's incredible skill at marketing with indelible images that have helped sell over 50 million train sets and more than 500 miles of track. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the performance. The performance takes place in the historic chapel. Seating is limited. No refunds. Not recommended for very small children. Advanced registration is necessary.  Tickets for each tour are $20 and can be purchased  online . The Historic Village at Al...