Mermaids are mythical creatures with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a fish. Myths of such creatures were thought to have originated by sailors spotting manatees and dugongs, mistaking them for mermaids. The myth was perpetrated by P.T. Barnum during the 19th century when he showcased the “Feejee Mermaid”. This creature was actually a dried monkey body sewed onto a fish tail, but had the entirety of New York in a mermaid craze.

You can make your own Mermaid Puppet and bring it to life with us at the Museum!