How did people 150 years ago manage when a loved one passed on?  What were some of the customs they practiced mourning that loss, and what happened to the person who died?  Is it true that bells were installed in cemeteries so that a person who was buried could “ring the bell” if they were still alive?  These questions, and many more, will be answered at a unique event hosted at the Governor Caswell Memorial at 2612 West Vernon Ave. in Kinston on Halloween from 1pm-4pm.

“This program will be enlightening to individuals who are interested in the “real” history of disease, mortality, and mourning”, said Programs Coordinator Rachel Kennedy. Visitors will discover some common causes of death during the nineteenth century, learn about mourning practices and etiquette, witness how bodies were prepared for burial using the embalming process, and lastly, visitors end up in the final resting place of North Carolina's first Governor, Richard Caswell, to explore his story, and the stories of other families buried in the cemetery.

One group of our presenters on Victorian mourning customs are members of the Tarheel Civilians, a civilian living history group that portrays citizens of North Carolina in the 1850s and 1860s. They volunteer at historic sites and participate in living history programs across the state. Through 19th century life skills demonstrations and period item displays, they educate citizens on everyday citizens in the past. The presenter on 19th century embalming is Michael Williams, a student of historical medicine since 1983. He began with the 18th century and now he has added the study of 19th century medicine as well as funeral practices of the time. 

Guided tours will begin outside at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm and it is a rain or shine event. All protocols from the NC Department of Health and Human Services will be adhered to. Cost for the event is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children twelve and under.  Kids 5 and under are free. All money raised from this program supports the CSS Neuse and Governor Caswell State Historic Sites.  Tickets can be purchased online at https://css-neuse-gunboat-assoc-inc.square.site/ or by contacting Rachel Kennedy at 252-526-9600 ext. 222. Or by visiting the CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center in downtown Kinston.  No experiences are designed to scare, but some may not be appropriate for younger children.  Tickets for the event are limited to 20 slots per hour due to the current restrictions on social gatherings and should be purchased in advance.  Tickets may not be available the day of the program.

Remember your 3 Ws!

WEAR - Wear a cloth mask over your nose and mouth.

WAIT - Wait 6 feet apart. Avoid close contact.

WASH - Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.

The Governor Richard Caswell Memorial is located at 2612 West Vernon Avenue, Kinston, NC 28504. 

For additional information, please call the site at (252) 526-9600 x222. The CSS Neuse Center and the Richard Caswell Memorial are within the Division of State Historic Sites in the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.