Throughout October, the William Root House Museum transforms its historic rooms to reflect the somber customs of a Victorian-era funeral. In the 1850s, Hannah and William Root shared their home with their children and extended family, including Hannah’s father, Leonard Simpson, who passed away on October 11, 1856.
The exhibit portrays how the family would have prepared the home for mourning, with curtains drawn and rooms adorned in black crepe and ribbons. Visitors will encounter 19th-century embalming tools, mourning jewelry fashioned from human hair, and other authentic relics of the period. Daytime tours featuring the exhibit are included with regular museum admission.
New to this year’s exhibit is a 19th-century embalming and cooling board. Used during the late 1800s, these portable tables became vital to undertakers during the Civil War as embalming gained popularity for preserving bodies during long transports. The Root House’s newly restored board offers visitors a fascinating window into the evolution of funeral practices.
For those seeking an after-dark experience, two late-night programs offer a deeper exploration of Victorian mourning customs.
Midnight Wake
Guests will tour the house by candlelight while learning about 19th-century funeral rituals and embalming techniques. The evening concludes with a reading of a poem on death written by Leonard Simpson in 1839. Space is limited to 13 guests, and attendees must be at least 12 years old.
Victorian Funeral Flashlight Tours
During this self-guided, after-hours experience, visitors can explore the candlelit rooms and view the full funeral exhibit at their own pace.
Mr. Tombstone’s Pop-Up
Before or after the flashlight tour, visitors can enjoy treats from Mr. Tombstone’s Coffee Emporium, offering hot chocolate, cold brew, coffee, and an assortment of skull-shaped cakes in chocolate, blueberry, and cinnamon flavors.
Date:
Throughout October 2025
Time:
Museum Hours: Wednesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm
Midnight Wake: October 11, 2025 from 11 pm to Midnight
Flashlight Tours: October 25, 2025 from 5 pm to 9 pm
Admission:
Regular daytime admission applies
Midnight Wake Tickets: $50 advance only
Flashlight Tours Tickets: $10 advance / $15 at door
Address:
William Root House Museum & Garden
80 North Marietta Parkway NW
Marietta GA 30060
For more information, please contact Cobb Landmarks & Historical Society at info@cobblandmarks.com.
