Mobile in Mourning: Death Practices in the Victorian Era

The History Museum of Mobile is excited to announce the next exhibition, Mobile in Mourning: Death Practices in the Victorian Era, opening October 17, 2025 and on view through June 7, 2026! 

Mobile in Mourning delves into the rich history of the elaborate death practices that occurred during the Victorian Era and how they continued and evolved into the twentieth century. Drawing from our collection, the History Museum of Mobile has curated an exhibition exploring how and why these customs came to be. Artifacts highlighted in the exhibition include mourning gowns, jewelry, memento moris, coffins, and hair art to provide a window into the lives of nineteenth and twentieth-century Mobilians during times of mourning. 

“This exhibit teaches visitors about how Victorians processed their grief and the rich history behind these traditions, both historically and today,” said Taylor Cox, Curator of Exhibits. “Additionally, it explores the science behind both the era’s higher death rates and how pioneers in medicine developed new, life-saving medical knowledge and techniques.”   

“Everyone at some point or another will experience loss, making this exhibition relevant to all visitors,” said Jon Sexton, Director of The History Museum of Mobile. “The objects on display reveal the values, beliefs, and evolving medical knowledge that Victorian era Mobilians used to confront death. This allows visitors to reflect on the ways in which we deal with death and loss today, and how many of those traditions are still with us from the Victorian period.”

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PRESS KIT

09/16/2025 Exhibition Announcement Press Release [download] PDF FILE

Mobile in Mourning Exhibition graphic (1920 X 1080) [download]

Mobile in Mourning Exhibition square graphic (1920 X 1920) [download]

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HMM Logo | White [download]

HMM Logo | Blue [download]

Mobile in Mourning Logo - white [download]

:30 Mobile in Mourning video [Vimeo link]