Join the Mourning Society today!
We are looking for active members who want to help us support historic sites and educate the public about mourning and the funeral customs of the mid-nineteenth century through the early twentieth century. There are many different ways you can get involved!
💀 Plain clothed volunteers serve an important role by assisting with all of the technical aspects of holding an event. This can involve event photography, helping guests with questions or tour registration, event set-up and more.
💀 Presenters are generally dressed in period clothing but their role is to speak to the public on a topic we are interpreting at the event.
💀 Reenactors are in a first person role that involves portraying a person from the era we are interpreting. Examples include pall-bearers, funeral attendees and cemetery visitors at Consolations of Memory or seance participants at Exploring Victorian Spiritualism.
How the Mourning Society Works
There are no membership fees or participation requirements to join the group. However, registration is necessary to participate in each event and if you have not dressed in historical clothing for one of our events before, you will need clothing approval at least two weeks before the date of the event.
Members of the group are responsible for purchasing or making their own clothing and accessories. We can provide advice on where to look for appropriate items and patterns, but acquiring the things you need is up to you. The Mourning Society does not loan or sell historical clothing for use at our events.
Information about upcoming events and group activities are shared through a private Facebook and a member e-newsletter. Once you apply you’ll receive links to join both.
Do you have additional questions about joining the Mourning Society of St Louis? You can reach out to us using our contact form or visit our FAQ.