The presence of a house in mourning will be felt in the specter of several mid-19th century guides beginning Friday in New Bern?s Attmore-Oliver House.
The house, an outpost of the New Bern Historical Society in the city?s historic district, may be uniquely positioned for a lesson in Victorian and southern funeral customs. Over recent months, scientific investigation by members of North Carolina Ghost Hunting Society unearthed paranormal incidents in the home and museum. A summary video of the findings will connect the house to the life of Mary Oliver, the former mistress of the home from 1859 to 1951, said Alma Gibbons, NBHS board member.
The video rendering of paranormal incidents will conclude a nearly hour-long tour of the house. Initially, visitors will be greeted by a ?long-dead family member, Cousin Elizabeth,? Gibbons said. Elizabeth will detail mourning customs of the Victorian era including jewelry braided from the hair of the deceased, food such as funeral cakes, fashions and the role of neighbors.
The occasion for the tour is the death, circa 1867, of a baby. A closed casket adorned by a photograph ? common practice then, although expensive with the art still in its infancy ? rests in the drawing room.
Once Elizabeth releases her guests, visitors will meet a Union officer, on hand to ensure order and to safeguard the community from communicable diseases ? the baby died from yellow fever. Visitors will experience the ?feel and aura of New Bern after the Civil War? from this presentation, Gibbons said.
Guests to the home will meet a final spirit in Miss Mary Taylor Oliver. Somewhat eccentric, Oliver will relate stories of her life in the house, some of which may be confirmed by recent paranormal investigations, Gibbons said.
Following the 45-minute presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions and offer comments on the history lesson. The NBHS will offer two tours of the home on Friday evenings through Oct. 13 and again on Oct. 14.
Tom Mayer can be reached at 635-5662 or tmayer@freedomenc.com.
If you are going
What: A Haunted Evening in New Bern
When: Fridays beginning Sept. 8 through Oct. 13 and Saturday, Oct. 14; tours begin at 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Where: The 1790 Attmore-Oliver House (512 Pollock St., New Bern)
Cost: $10 adults; $5 children
Contact: New Bern Historical Society at 638-8558
Tip: Tours are limited; advance tickets are suggested
http://www.newbernsj.com/SiteProcessor. ... ction=Life
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