Murfreesboro TN residents, make sure and mark your calendars to visit Oakland Historical Museum during October for the Widows, Weepers and Wakes event.
Death was a part of every day life during the 19th century. With a life 
expectancy of 42 years old, and 3 out of every 20 infants dying before their first birthday, death was a real possibility during the Victorian era. Mourning the dead during this period was a true art. Some of the customs might seem macabre to us today and included watching the dead until the actual burial. But, the rules of mourning were very strict and etiquette had to be followed by the surviving family members or else face social ostracism.
Mourning during this era was a structured ritual. The Oaklands Historic Museum, located on North Maney Avenue in Murfreesboro TN, is allowing visitors to step back in time and learn more about those rituals and customs in the exhibit “Widows, Weepers, and Wakes: Victorian Mourning Customs.”
The mansion will be in mourning during this exhibit and give us a brief insight into the Victorian customs. Visitors will learn how long a widow must mourn for her husband or children, find out what type of dress was required, the draping of mirrors to prevent the deceased’s spirit from being trapped in the glass, and the social expectations. This is a fascinating tour for all ages from school age to seniors.
The special exhibit will run from October 1 through October 31, 2011. For more information, visit The Oaklands Mansion online or call 615-893-0022.
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