Cobblestone Museum opens for season on Saturday with new coverlet exhibit

Photo by Tom Rivers: Bill Lattin, retired director of the Cobblestone Museum, has put together an exhibit “Victorian Mourning Art & Sundries” in the upper gallery at the Brick House.

Display about ‘Victorian Mourning Art’ expands to 120 artifacts

CHILDS – The Cobblestone Museum will open for the season on May 13 with a special event, “Celebrating Mothers.”

The Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, with a focus on mothers. Mothers are encouraged to visit the Museum for a complimentary tour of the campus and receive a free flower, while the supply lasts. The floral gifts are courtesy of Mary Lou Ames, Albion florist and owner of Homestead Wildflowers at 14395 East County House Rd.

In addition, there are still some seats left for “An In-depth Look at Victorian Mourning Art” at 6:30 p.m. May 19 in the Upper Gallery.

The exhibit of Victorian Mourning Art and Sundries was put in place the spring of 2022. No formal talk or program on this topic and exhibit was given, Farley said. During the past year, former director Bill Lattin has collected more than 20 more examples of this type of genre. A new display panel with these items has now been added to the exhibit. This brings the number of artifacts on display to more than 120.

At 6:30 p.m. on May 19, Lattin will highlight some of the more unusual pieces in his collection with a 45-minute presentation, including questions from participants. A portfolio of 12 close-up pictures to be discussed will be distributed. A catalogue of the entire exhibit is also available.

Many of the artifacts displayed are truly one-of-a-kind mourning art pieces, according to Sue Bonafini, assistant director of the Museum. These were often created by family members as keepsakes for a departed loved one. Some even with hair. However, as the title suggests ‘and sundries,’ there is indeed much more.

Mass-produced items, such as prints and knick-knacks were readily available, and a few select items from the undertakers’ profession are also on display.

Space is limited and those attending are asked to RSVP by calling (585) 589-9013.

Also new this year is the exhibit of 19th Century coverlets from Orleans County at the Visitors Center. Both the coverlet exhibit and Victorian Mourning Art exhibit can be viewed during regular Museum hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning Mary 13, or other times by appointment, said museum director Doug Farley.