About this Artifact

Their memory was preserved for generations to come.

Mourning art was very popular in the Victorian era. Hair from deceased loved ones was frequently made into little tokens, jewelry, and horseshoe-shaped wreaths. As seen in this wreath, the person’s hair was wrapped around string or wire and formed into shapes, most frequently flowers. The physical reminder of these loved ones meant that though they were no longer alive, their memory was preserved for generations to come. This wreath includes the hair of Mrs. William E. Rea, wife of the Keeper of the House from 1903-1905. Preserve this unique piece of history by adopting it and ensuring the memory of these loved ones endures.