Tea and Talk: Remembrance Rituals and the Etiquette of Grief

Did women mourners during the Civil War era wear face veils? How about jewelry? Join us on October 25 at 12:30 p.m. for a “tea and talk” with local historian Kelly Wenner White. She will present an overview of Civil War-era mourning wear and customs, including accessories and jewelry, along with advances in medicine to gravestones and fashion. Mourning practices in Civil War America were heavily influenced by England’s Queen Victoria, who publicly mourned the death of her husband for more than 40 years. This, along with changing funeral practices, rural cemeteries, and the onset and subsequent death toll of the Civil War, created an atmosphere well-prepared to accept and demonstrate all aspects of “mourning culture.” Tea in our historic Carriage House includes classic tea sandwiches and sweets, local preserves and Oatlands’ exclusive tea blend. Seating at 12:30 p.m. Gluten-free and vegetarian options available. Please tell us about your seating arrangements, dietary restrictions and anything else in the order notes section on the checkout page. Guided mansion tours are available as an additional charge. Receive a 50% discount on a tour with tea – just add a tour to your cart! We appreciate your support and look forward to giving you a memorable experience at Oatlands. PURCHASE TICKETS HERE