Tales from the Vault at the Illinois State Museum: Hair Wreaths and Mourning Items Program on Oct. 24

ISM Location: Research and Collections Center

For Immediate Release:

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois State Museum will host the latest in the series of 2018 "Tales from the Vault" programs on Wed., Oct. 24 at 12:30 p.m. exploring mourning items and artifacts from the ISM's collections.

The free program will be presented by Illinois State Museum Curator of Art and History Erika Holst at the ISM Research and Collections Center at 1011 E. Ash St. in Springfield.

In the 19th century, death was a part of life. People died from disease, lack of medical care, inadequate food supplies, poor sanitary conditions, farm accidents, fire, and war. To cope with this intimate experience with death, a variety of mourning practices and artifacts emerged that allowed people to both express their grief and to memorialize their loved ones. The presentation will explore mourning artifacts from the ISM's collection, along with the etiquette behind them.

"Tales from the Vault" is a collaborative program hosted by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Illinois State Museum which allows the public to discover some of the treasures from these institutions' collections. Each program includes the chance to view an artifact or document not normally on display, commentary by a staff member or local scholar, and a chance for group discussion. Attendees are welcome to bring a lunch. All programs are free and open to the public. For additional information, contact events@illinoisstatemuseum.org or phone 217-558-6696.

The ISM Research and Collections Center's new entrance gate is on Ash Street. The Ash Street entrance must be approached from 11th Street due to the rail closure at Ash and 10 ½ Streets.

Contact Person: Elizabeth Bazan

Contact Email: Elizabeth.Bazan@illinois.gov

Contact Phone: 217-558-6696

Release File (pdf): ism-vaultoct2018.pdf

Release File (doc): ism-vaultoct2018.docx