The Delaware County Historical Society (DCHS) has announced the upcoming opening of its latest exhibit – Victorian Era Mourning — on display beginning Oct. 7 at the Delaware County Historic Jail and Sheriff’s Residence. The Historic Jail and Sheriff’s Residence is located at 20 W. Central Ave. in Delaware.
The exhibit will focus on mourning practices during the Victorian era (1837-1901), the period in which the jail was built, and it includes related images, artifacts from the DCHS archives, docent-provided commentary and tours of the common areas within the sheriff’s residence, as well as the building’s cell block.
“We’re excited to host this informative new exhibit — our first since acquiring the Historic Jail and Sheriff’s Residence in 2021 — and invite the community to explore some of the many treasures preserved in the Delaware County Historical Society archives. Some of the Victorian mourning practices were downright creepy!” said Donna Meyer, DCHS executive director. “As with all of our programming, this exhibit is open to history lovers of all ages and promises to foster greater understanding and appreciation for Delaware County and our ancestors.”
The Delaware County Historic Jail and Sheriff’s Residence will offer special open house hours from 6-8 p.m. during Main Street Delaware’s next two First Friday events on Oct. 7 and Nov. 4. Additional opportunities to view the exhibit will be available during special “paranormal investigation” tours taking place in mid-October. Details about the paranormal tours will be announced on the DCHS website and social media pages closer to those events.
Registration is not required to view the Victorian Era Mourning exhibit. Donations are encouraged and will support ongoing restoration work and future programming.
Additional details are available at www.delawareohiohistory.org or on the Delaware County Historical Society Facebook and Instagram pages. Those in need of additional information can contact DCHS at 740-369-3831 or [email protected].
The Delaware County Historical Society is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote, preserve and sustain interest in the history of Delaware County. The Barn at Stratford is operated by DCHS as an event venue for weddings, corporate meetings, and other special occasions. To learn more, visit the venue and society websites at barnatstratford.org and delawareohiohistory.org.
