‘Death Comes to Sabine Hill’ features Early American mourning customs

On Oct. 18 and 19, Sabine Hill State Historic Site in Elizabethton presents “Death Comes to Sabine Hill,” a unique event designed to resurrect many of the forgotten traditions associated with death and mourning in early America. Visitors will experience these mysterious customs firsthand through special after-hours tours of the historic Taylor House.

“Two centuries ago, our ancestors perceived death and mourning quite differently than we do today. These days, we push through the funeral process as quickly as possible, but those who came before us took a much more intimate approach,” said Chad Bogart, museum curator at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park.

Disease, war, infant mortality, and other causes meant that death was a persistent companion, especially before the days of modern medicine. Before funeral homes were common, the process of preparing a deceased family member for burial was carried out at home. All manner of traditions, superstitions, and ceremonies that had been practiced in the Old World continued here in the New. These ancient funeral customs and mourning rituals, many of which may seem bizarre and macabre today, have been all but forgotten. At “Death Comes to Sabine Hill,” visitors can learn more about these traditions and see just how differently death was viewed and accepted in the past.

These special candlelight tours will occur Friday, Oct. 18, and Saturday, Oct. 19, and offer guests a chance to experience the historic Taylor House after dark.

Visitors will pay their respects to the deceased at the wake and meet historically dressed interpreters throughout the house who will talk about the funeral customs and mourning rituals of days gone by. As the tour progresses outdoors, guests will visit with the gravedigger, professional mourner, and resurrectionist as they share the professions associated with death and funerals in early America. These tours deal with subject matter that may be too sensitive for younger visitors. Parental discretion is advised. Tour times are 6, 6:30, 7, 7:30, 8, and 8:30 p.m. each night.

Admission is $14 per person. Preregistration is required. Tickets can be purchased at tnstateparks.com/parks/events/sycamore-shoals.

Be advised that Sabine Hill State Historic Site only offers portable restroom facilities at this time. The historic house is only accessible by steps and an interior staircase. This event is subject to cancellation in the event of significantly inclement weather.

Sabine Hill State Historic Site is located at 2328 W. G St., Elizabethton. For more information about this and other events, contact Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park at 423-543-5808.

Sabine Hill State Historic Site is operated through a partnership between the Tennessee Historical Commission and Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park.

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