BARDSTOWN, Ky. – My Old Kentucky Home State Park is offering a new tour during the remainder of October on the Victorian mourning practices of the 19th century called “Weep No More.”
Social customs related to the death of a family member during the Victorian era encouraged practices that publicly demonstrated the grief that the remaining family members were experiencing. Door knobs would be draped in black, as would door entries, mirrors, portraits of the deceased loved one, and clocks were stopped at the time of death.
The historic home at the park, Federal Hill, will be transformed into the Victorian world of mourning. Enter the mansion, draped in black swag and feather plumes and wander the darkened halls to hear the stories of the mansion's storied past as it relates to death and demise. Learn more about the unusual customs of mourning in 19th century society, through Oct. 31at My Old Kentucky Home State Park.
Tours are offered 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last tour starting at 4:15 p.m. For more information, call the park at 502-348-3502.
My Old Kentucky Home State Park includes the historic mansion called Federal Hill. Construction of Federal Hill was started by John Rowan in 1795 and was completed in 1818. The historic home is the subject of Stephen Foster’s song, “My Old Kentucky Home,” which is also the Kentucky state song. The park also has an 18-hole golf course, campground, picnic area and a summertime theatrical production – “The Stephen Foster Story.”
