LE CLAIRE, Iowa — The Buffalo Bill Museum is continuing its 'Women In History Afternoon Tea' event with another gathering on Sunday, Oct. 13. This presentation will focus on the mourning, funeral and burial practices of the Victorian Era.
The tea will run from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express along LeClaire's riverfront at 1201 Canal Shore Dr. SW.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here. You may also reserve your spot by calling the Buffalo Bill Museum at 563-289-5580.
Local historian, Anna Thomas, will focus on the grief and mourning practices from 1820 to 1914. Many of the traditions established during this time period are still observed today, including the establishment of funeral homes.
The presentation will cover the shift in attitudes toward death and mourning, including post-mortem photography, the rural cemetery movement and tombstone symbolism. Thomas will also explain the role of Victorian clothing and the impact of grave robbers.
Thomas, who recently graduated with her Master's from Western Illinois University, focused her studies on Victorian funeral practices.
The Buffalo Bill Museum has held several of these 'Women In History' teas over the last few months, with topics ranging from 'The Harvey Girls' — women who traveled west with gold miners and boom towns — to the 'unmentionable' topic of undergarments worn during the Victorian Era.
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