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Victorian Funeral ExhibitOn display October 1 - 31, 2026
During the month of October, visitors to the William Root House will see the home decorated for a Victorian-era funeral. In 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. During this special exhibit, the rooms inside the Root House 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 in the Victorian era. Upstairs guests will be able to view a 19th century embalming/cooling board. Embalming gained popularity during the Civil War when bodies needed to be transported long distances without decaying. Portable cooling boards were an essential tool of the undertaker. In the home, cooling boards were often brought to the bedroom of the deceased where the embalming procedure would be performed. This particular cooling board was made in Columbus, Ohio during the late 1800s and was acquired by the museum from a shuttered funeral home in Madison, Indiana. The unusual piece of funerary history has been restored to show what it would have looked like when it was new. Daytime tours are included in the cost of regular museum admission. Plan your visit. |
VIP EXPERIENCE
Midnight Wake
October 9, 2026 | 11:00pm-Midnight
Hannah Root’s father, Leonard Simpson, died in the Root House on October 11, 1856. Upon his death, the Root family would have observed a wake, maintaining a vigil over his body in the period between his passing and burial. During this VIP experience, guests will be guided through the house’s candlelit rooms and learn about 19th-century embalming and funeral practices. As midnight approaches, guests will gather to recite a poem about death, written by Leonard Simpson himself in 1839. This program is restricted to guests 12 years or older. By purchasing a ticket, you acknowledge that you understand this program will include adult themes. Tickets for this program are $50 per person and must be purchased in advance. Space is extremely limited.
COMING SOON
Midnight Wake
October 9, 2026 | 11:00pm-Midnight
Hannah Root’s father, Leonard Simpson, died in the Root House on October 11, 1856. Upon his death, the Root family would have observed a wake, maintaining a vigil over his body in the period between his passing and burial. During this VIP experience, guests will be guided through the house’s candlelit rooms and learn about 19th-century embalming and funeral practices. As midnight approaches, guests will gather to recite a poem about death, written by Leonard Simpson himself in 1839. This program is restricted to guests 12 years or older. By purchasing a ticket, you acknowledge that you understand this program will include adult themes. Tickets for this program are $50 per person and must be purchased in advance. Space is extremely limited.
COMING SOON
FLASHLIGHT TOURS
October 23 and 24, 2026 | 5:00pm-9:00pm
During this special after-hours tour, visitors to the William Root House will explore darkened rooms decorated for a Victorian era funeral. Guests will view 19th century embalming equipment, mourning jewelry made from human hair, and other curious artifacts related to death and mourning in the Victorian era. Tours are self-guided. It is recommended you arrive no later than 8:30pm. Flashlight tours are $10 per person in advance and $15 per person at the door. No coupons or discounts may be applied. Space is limited.
October 23 and 24, 2026 | 5:00pm-9:00pm
During this special after-hours tour, visitors to the William Root House will explore darkened rooms decorated for a Victorian era funeral. Guests will view 19th century embalming equipment, mourning jewelry made from human hair, and other curious artifacts related to death and mourning in the Victorian era. Tours are self-guided. It is recommended you arrive no later than 8:30pm. Flashlight tours are $10 per person in advance and $15 per person at the door. No coupons or discounts may be applied. Space is limited.
Mr. Tombstone's Pop-Up
Before or after your flashlight tour, be sure to stop by and see our friends from Mr. Tombstone's Coffee Emporium. They'll be on site serving up a variety of beverages and treats including coffee, hot chocolate, cold brew, and double chocolate, blueberry, and cinnamon skull cakes.
