Reflections of Manatee will explore Victorian-era mourning customs during Dressed for Death: An Evening of Victorian Mourning Traditions on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the historic Sam G. Curry House in Bradenton.
Costumed interpreter Crystal Kopp will guide visitors through a recreation of a Victorian wake inside the restored 1860 home. The program will examine how residents of Old Manatee conducted wakes, mourned loved ones and memorialized the dead during the Victorian era.
Visitors will also have an opportunity to view Kopp’s personal collection of authentic memento mori, death photographs and period decorations. Participants will be able to take home their own memento mori following the program.
Kopp holds a master’s degree in Museum Studies and is a local historical interpreter specializing in Victorian fashion, manners, customs and traditions, including practices surrounding death and mourning.
The event will be held at 1305 Fourth Ave. E. in Bradenton. Admission is $5 and may be purchased at the door or in advance through the event registration page.
