Upcoming Exhibits
Mobile in Mourning: Death Practices in the Victorian EraOctober 17, 2025 - June 7, 2026
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.”
PRESS KIT
09/16/2025 Exhibition Announcement Press Release [download] PDF FILE
Mobile in Mourning Exhibition graphic (1920 X 1080) [download]
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Mobile in Mourning Exhibition square graphic (1920 X 1920) [download]
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Sunken Treasures, Ancient Seas: Artifacts from the DeepJanuary 23, 2026 - May 10, 2026
This unique and educational exhibition explores the fascinating underwater world of archaeology as it is practiced today. Shipwrecks and the means and methods to retrieve ancient artifacts, buried treasures and historical evidence are the protagonists of a multi element exhibition. A special focus is given to the Mediterranean Sea and traces of the ancient civilizations that flourished in the region. According to one UN inventory, along these shores, some 1,255 underwater archaeological coastal sites have been identified.
Developed in collaboration with Italy’s leading underwater research organization, the Soprintendenza del Mare of Palermo, a selection of the submerged landscapes that surround the island of Sicily and the Italian coastline are brought to life through the use of various exhibition devices. Modern video capabilities transport the visitor deep below the surface on a voyage of discovery and recovery. Original artifacts testify to past civilizations, while modern equipment and illustrations recount the stories of their rediscovery, excavation and restoration.