Events

Mansion in Mourning

July 22 - August 31, 2007

The Museum enhanced the historic house experience by placing the mansion in mourning from July 22 to August 31. Major William Sutherlin died suddenly at 3:00 am on July 22, 1893. This date provides an opportunity for the Museum to interpret Victorian Funerary Customs. The black crepe, covered mirrors – and, of course, the antique coffin in the parlor – provided insight into the rituals of our ancestors. We want to give special thanks to three of our volunteers who helped the Museum “mourn:” Betty Harvie, Joan Sprinkle and Judy Strausser. David Fuquay of Townes Funeral Home, a corporate member of the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History arranged the loan of the walnut casket (c.1830 – 1850) from Bill Simpson of Chatham, Virginia. Mr. Simpson is the owner of Mastercrafts Casket Company of Graham, North Carolina.