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Victorian Funeral ExhibitOn display October 2 - November 2, 2024
During the month of October, visitors to the William Root House will see the home decorated for a Victorian-era funeral. In the 1850s, Hannah and William Root shared their home with their children and extended family. Hannah Root’s father, Leonard Simpson, lived with the family and passed away on October 11, 1856. During this special exhibit, the rooms inside the Root House will be decorated as they would have been following Leonard’s death. Curtains will be drawn, and rooms will be adorned with black crepe and ribbons. Visitors will be able to view 19th century embalming equipment, mourning jewelry made from human hair, and other curious artifacts related to death and mourning in the Victorian era. New to the exhibit this year is a 19th century embalming/cooling board. Embalming gained popularity during the Civil War when bodies needed to be transported long distances without decaying. Portable cooling boards were an essential tool of the undertaker. In the home, cooling boards were often brought to the bedroom of the deceased where the embalming procedure would be performed. This particular cooling board was made in Columbus, Ohio during the late 1800s and was acquired by the museum from a shuttered funeral home in Madison, Indiana. The unusual piece of funerary history has been restored to show what it would have looked like when it was new. Daytime tours are included in the cost of regular museum admission. Plan your visit. |
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FLASHLIGHT TOURsOctober 18 and 25, 2024 5:00pm-9:00pm
During this special after-hours tour, visitors to the William Root House will explore darkened rooms decorated for a Victorian era funeral. Guests will view 19th century embalming equipment, mourning jewelry made from human hair, and other curious artifacts related to death and mourning in the Victorian era. Tours are self-guided. It is recommended you arrive no later than 8:30pm. Flashlight tours are $10 per person in advance and $15 per person at the door. No coupons or discounts may be applied. Space is limited. |
