Echoes from the Sheldon Museum Archives: The material world of Victorian mourning

As we reflect on the different kind of Halloween we experienced this year — overshadowed by the specters of both COVID-19 and a looming election — we are perhaps closer than ever to the historical origins of the holiday as a period of contemplation and remembrance. Halloween emerged from the medieval festival of Allhallowtide, a three-day Catholic celebration in memory of the holy departed. Naturally, mourning traditions have evolved since the Middle Ages and the Henry Sheldon Museum Archives offer some ins … (read more)

Political echoes from the Sheldon Museum archives: Elections, then and now

We live in one of the most divisive times in American history. However, the past is full of politically charged moments that still resonate with us today as documented by the Sheldon Museum’s archival collections.  *** Elections, Then and Now News of the … (read more)

Political echoes from the Sheldon Museum archives: The (un)settled question

Currently we live in one of the most divisive times in American history. However, the past is full of politically charged moments that still resonate with us today as documented by the Sheldon Museum’s archival collections.  *** The (Un)Settled Question A … (read more)