Collections : [Bridgeport History Center, Bridgeport Public Library]

Mary Darlington Taylor was a local writer with a wide array of historical interests. This collection is expected to grow, based on material found elsewhere in collections. As such, a full abstract and finding aid cannot be provided at this time.

This small collection contains some correspondence to Matthew Rogers during his tenure as Secretary of State for Connecticut in 1909-1913. It is not extensive or inclusive.

As a major repository for P.T. Barnum related material, the Bridgeport History Center has amassed a large collection of circus material. This has included amassing circus route books, which list the performance locations and show details for each show in a given year. These early route books provide useful information to early circus ventures in America, starting in the 1870s and going into the 1890s.

Cesar Batalla was one of Bridgeport's most well-known and well-regarded activists. Born in Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico on June 14, 1945, the Batalla family moved when Cesar was eight. He began his career in activism in 1970 as a NAACP delegate, and would go on to become a key part of Bridgeport's Hispanic and Latinx communities in their work for social change and social justice. This collection was created by Cesar Batalla and reflects coverage of both his career and the causes he championed, especially with regards to housing and transportation.

The Norwood Collection of Circus Photographs featured a wide array of images from mostly the 1900s to the 1940s, documenting circus life. It focuses primarily on the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus, and shows not only animal and human performers, but features behind the scenes images that give a greater view into what was life for those who traveled with the group every year.

The Pankiewicz family lived in Milford, Connecticut, running a farm in the area that is now along Wheeler's Farm Road. Two of their sons, John Joseph (1916-1993) and Anthony Peter (1907-1972), served in World War II. The photographs in the collection provide insight into what life on the home front was like in contrast to those serving in the war.

The Locomobile Company of America's first two presidents were father and son-in-law, Amzi L. Barber and Samuel T. Davis Jr. The close familial relationship the two had in running not only Locomobile but other business ventures as well, including Barber's asphalt company, is present and heavily represented in these papers.

Alfred B. Beers served in the American Civil War, enlisting at the age of 16 and being honorably discharged as a captain at the age of 20. An active veteran in the Grand Army of the Republic, Beers served as an attorney and as a judge for the city of Bridgeport and was an active member of the community.

Alyce Laurayne Farrar-James (June 9, 1926-May 6, 2019) was heavily involved in the city of Bridgeport's social, economic, and political life. She worked as a local organizer for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the state of Virginia, and took her experience back to Bridgeport where she helped transform the city by taking on such diverse roles such as City Council, Board of Directors for the Young Christian Women's Association, teaching within the Bridgeport school system and so much more. This collection represents a small portion of a remarkable legacy.

The thesis of Amy Heller and corresponding research notes explores the complicated history of the United Electrical, Radio and machine Works of America local 203, Bridgeport as the tensions between right and left wing factions erupted in 1944 to 1950.