Victorian Funeral Tours
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
"Ring the bell softly.There's black crepe upon the door."
The year is 1862. The Dread Visitor has entered the Castle and borne away another prize - one of Marietta's finest citizens, Colonel Melvin Calvin Clarke. Colonel Clarke departed our fair city to defend the American Eagle from the Serpentine Fangs of Slavery. His death at the head of his regiment at the Battle of Antietam was a terrible blow to the cause of freedom. Mourning wreaths adorn the Castle's front door, the paintings and mirrors are shrouded with black veils, and the clocks have been stopped at the precise moment the sad event occurred. The household is ready to receive visitors wishing to offer their condolences to his widow, Sophia (Browning) Clarke, and his children.
The Castle is hosting a historically accurate re-creation of a Victorian funeral and wake. As you move through the house, each room will represent a different part of the Victorian Celebration of Death, such as the traditions (death bed vigils, post-mortem photography, etc.), rituals (undertakers, appropriate attire, etc.), seances and superstitions surrounding death and mourning during the Victorian era. Period artifacts will be on display throughout the tour of this historic house museum.
Dress in your finest mourning attire to honor the passing of The Castle's builder, Col. Clarke, and pay your final respects to this honorable patriot. Admission is $13 per person. Calling hours are Saturday & Sunday from 1 to 4pm. This program is not appropriate for young children. If you have questions about the subject matter and whether your children are old enough to take the tour, please give us a call at 740-373-4180.
Admission is $13.
