The event combined historical information on traditional mourning customs of the nineteenth century, as well as details about the several deaths and funerals that took place in the Mansion itself. Those attending learned about a range of period customs such as appropriate attire following the death of a loved one to the creation of memorial hair jewelry, and even the somewhat macabre measures that could be taken to ensure a person would not be buried alive – a not uncommon concern of the era.
A number of attendees had visited previously, but for many this was their first special event at the Mansion. It’s part of our effort to expand programming at Victoria Mansion by offering new and novel experiences that appeal to our expanding membership and community supporters while broadening knowledge and enjoyment of the museum. This was the first program geared specifically for adults which has featured Portland Ballet, and we are excited to have presented this as the first event of an evolving partnership between the two organizations.
