This display will be up from September 15 through November 21.

Death is one of the only guarantees in life. In early U.S. history, death was a more frequent occurrence, arriving through disease, starvation, and constant warfare. For those who remained after a loved one passed beyond the veil, mourning took many forms. Mourning in McLean explores perceptions of death, ritualistic practices, and customary expressions of grief in Central Illinois from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century.

On Saturday, October 18 at 2 p.m., Mourning in McLean will culminate with an engaging program presented by the Museum’s Senior Director of Education, Candace Summers. She will bring to life stories from our past, sharing information about mourning rituals and superstitions, burial practices, monument makers, freakishly famous McLean County funerals, and lead reflective discussions on how we keep the memory of those who have passed alive.

The curated display and associated program series are sponsored with major support by East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, with additional contributions provided by Evergreen Memorial Cemetery and Kibler-Bradu-Ruestman Memorial Home.