‘A House in Mourning’ Exhibit

Example of a mourning dress. Submitted.

Alexander Noble had a fascination with Victorian funerals. To honor his interest the Gibraltar Historical Association once again presents A House in Mourning as the 2018 season exhibit.  

The house exhibits the complete funeral display with a coffin and flowers in the parlor. The oldest wood framed home in Fish Creek, the Noble House contains many of the original furnishings passed down from the descendants of Alexander Noble. Interesting vignettes of funeral attire, dearly departed cards and hair watch fobs are on display. The house is also filled with more than a dozen mourning outfits dating from the mid-1800s to the 1920s. Visitors can learn about the 19th century customs and see how they have translated to our current culture. 

Mystery of the unknown brings young and old alike, inviting them to cross the threshold of a home mourning the loss of its owner. Come and see the coffin, the cooling table, the hair wreath and mourning clothing of the time. Learn about the phrases of the past and their true meanings, including living room, wake, graveyard shift and countless more.

The Noble House Museum and exhibit is open for guests beginning June 9. Hours are 10 am to 3 pm through Oct. 17. For more information email [email protected] or visit historicnoble.org.