Kentucky Historical Society
19th Century Mourning Practices Discussion at KHS

Join Susan Lyons Hughes, manager of museum programs at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, as she explores some of the unique aspects of 19th century mourning practices at noon on Wednesday, May 19, at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in Frankfort.

“Crinoline, Crape and Corpses: 19th Century Funeral and Mourning Practices” provides an overview of mourning fashions and how they evolved throughout the 19th century. Hughes will discuss changes in the funeral home industry during this period, including traditional funeral customs at home. Original artifacts will be on display, including mourning prints, funeral cards and mourning jewelry. Also on display in the Center’s permanent gallery is the Graveyard Quilt, which was created in 1843 and depicts the death dates of individuals in a family.

Reservations for the luncheon and presentation are required by Friday, May 14. This luncheon is part of the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) Highlighting History series and is $18 for KHS members and $23 for other patrons. Contact Julia Curry at 502-564-1792, ext. 4414 or Julia.Curry@ky.gov.

The KHS Highlighting History series includes History Speaks!, Food for Thought and special Thursday evening programs that offer guests an opportunity to explore a wide variety of historical topics. For more information on Highlighting History programs, visit the KHS website at www.history.ky.gov.