MORRISTOWN, NJ - You are cordially invited to attend the 1864 wake of Stephen Vail, a family patriarch at Historic Speedwell in Morristown, on Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a program call Death and Mourning. The Vail Home becomes the setting for a traditional 19th century funeral. Learn how the family would have prepared for this event including period dress, home decorations, and the casket. Mourners witness how Vail’s family would have prepared to host the event in their home, as well as, the customs and traditions that were carried out when someone died.

Follow the horse-drawn cart as it carries Stephen’s body to his home at Speedwell. Journey back to this period with authentically costumed interpreters. Share the reasons wakes were held in homes, and what preparations were made for the event. Tours are conducted every hour and preregistration is required. For more information or to register, please call 973 285-6550.

Labels: halloween, historic sites