August 01, 2016
R. Kennedy/Visit Philadelphia™
Laurel Hill Cemetery does not conform to the typical “spooky” graveyard stereotype thanks to its green landscape, breathtaking views and beautiful sculptures and architecture.
Laurel Hill Cemetery will host an unusual workshop on Aug. 6. The class will teach attendees how to create a custom Victorian mourning hair flower. Yes, a flower made from hair.
During the Victorian era, mourning a lost loved one was observed through many nonspoken rituals. There was a complicated rules system in place to commemorate the dead and express the relationship to the deceased.
Civil War re-enactor, Lucy Cadwallader, has spent 13 years perfecting the art of creating wreaths, bracelets and necklaces from hair; she will use her expertise to teach the class how to make the intricate flowers. All materials will be provided.
The workshop will begin at 11:30 a.m., with a tour of the cemetery following at 1 p.m. Tickets for the full day are $35 per person. There's also an option to skip the workshop and only take the tour, which will cost $12 per person (Laurel Hill members, seniors and students receive a discount).
On the walking tour through the historic cemetery, visitors will learn about Victorian mourning customs and decipher the symbolic messages left behind on Laurel Hill’s graves.
Saturday, August 6
11:30 a.m. | $35 per person
Laurel Hill Cemetery
3822 Ridge Ave.
