Shakespeare's birthplace nearly faced a peculiar fate in the 1940s when P.T. Barnum proposed to transport it to the United States on a traveling tour. This plan alarmed many in Britain, who saw it as a threat to the integrity and heritage of the renowned playwright's origins. The outcry led to a swift response to preserve the site.

Consequently, efforts were initiated to raise funds to protect Shakespeare's birthplace and transform it into a dedicated museum and sanctuary. This move ensured that the location remained a testament to Shakespeare's legacy rather than a mere attraction for entertainment.