BAKER — Saturday afternoon, Laura Rogers, en route to Pensacola for a funeral, will step off her train in Cobb and share her family’s story.
Rogers is portrayed by local antiques collector Bonnie Grundel, who will premiere her “Victorian Mourning Practices in America” living history presentation at the Baker Block Museum.
“This is going to be a conversation with a living historic person from 1901,” Grundel said. “It’s not going to be a lecture.”
In keeping with the turn-of-the-20th-century setting, Grundel’s performance takes place in Cobb, the original name of today’s Baker.
“Within my story, I’ll be going back in time and work in historic facts during my conversation with the people, whether it’s about the Civil War or Queen Victoria or etiquette," Grundel said.
Audience members can ask questions of “Laura Rogers” — Grundel’s middle and maiden names.
Grundel — costumed in genuine period ladies’ mourning clothes and jewelry — will display artifacts from her collection including a prayer book, photos, memorials and keepsake jewelry made by Victorian mourners from the hair of deceased family members.
“All the characters and all my collection pieces all tie into the story,” Grundel said.
WANT TO GO?
WHAT:Victorian Mourning Practices of America
WHEN:2 p.m. Feb. 21
WHERE:Baker Block Museum, corner of State Roads 4 and 189
COST:Free
NOTES:Baker resident Bonnie Grundel portrays a Victorian woman on her way to a funeral in Pensacola
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Living history presentation examines American Victorian mourning practices