October 13, 2022

CONTACT: Trevor Beemon

Executive Director

678-594-4994

tbeemon@cobblandmarks.com

Visitors can view 19th century embalming equipment, mourning jewelry made from human hair, and other curious artifacts related to mourning during the Victorian era.   

MARIETTA, GA, October 4, 2022 - During the 1850s, Hannah and William Root shared their home with their children and extended family. Hannah Root's father, Leonard Simpson, lived with the family and passed away on October 11, 1856. For the month of October, the rooms inside the c. 1845 William Root House in downtown Marietta will be decorated as they would have been following Leonard's death. Curtains will be drawn, and rooms will be adorned with black crepe and ribbons. Visitors will be able to view 19th century embalming equipment, mourning jewelry made from human hair, and other curious artifacts related to death and mourning during the Victorian era. Daytime tours are included in the cost of regular admission.  

Flashlight Tours:

On Friday evenings in October, the Root House will offer self-guided flashlight tours (please bring your own flashlight). Flashlight Tour tickets are $10 per person and may be purchased online at roothousemuseum.com/funeral. Space is limited. 

WHAT: Victorian Funeral Exhibit

WHEN: On display through October 29, 2022

WHERE: William Root House, 80 N Marietta Parkway NW, Marietta

TICKETS: roothousemuseum.com/funeral

ABOUT THE WILLIAM ROOT HOUSE MUSEUM & GARDEN: One of the oldest homes in the Atlanta area, the Root House is more typical of its time and place than the columned mansions popularized by Gone With the Wind. Though the home and grounds have been meticulously restored to their 1860 appearance, modern touchscreens and interactive displays have been added to help tell the story of the Root family and their enslaved house servants.