Columbus Celebrates a Spooktacular Weekend with Art, History, and Victorian Mourning Traditions
This weekend in Columbus, get ready for an event that’s not just about art and antiques but also dives into a unique slice of history with a spooky twist! The much-anticipated Art ‘N Antiques Show is making its return, and this year, it’s teaming up with the Preservation Society of Columbus (PSC) to explore the intriguing world of Victorian mourning traditions.
For over 40 years, the Art ‘N Antiques Show has been a highlight of the local arts scene, and this year, it promises to be even more exciting. The show kicks off on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. and runs until Saturday at 4 p.m. It’s located at the Rosenzweig Arts Center in downtown Columbus. The tourism director for the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership with PSC, noting, “It’s going to be a great weekend! We have some returning dealers but also lots of new ones that have never been to Columbus.”
Attendees are encouraged to don traditional Victorian mourning costumes. This era had its fair share of unique customs, with different styles of dress depending on how close a person was to the deceased. Expect to see guests dressed in flowing black gowns and adorned with veils, truly bringing history to life.
Visitors can look forward to an impressive exhibit featuring Victorian mourning artifacts, including pieces of jewelry crafted from the hair of the deceased and postmortem photographs—a practice from the past that might send shivers down your spine. The Victorians had all sorts of strange mourning traditions, hinting at the fascinating narratives behind the displayed items.
On Friday morning, the schedule includes a special presentation by a specialist in 18th and 19th-century fashion, kicking off at 9 a.m.. As the day progresses, the PSC will host a “ghost tales home tour,” where homeowners will lead guests through their residences, sharing spine-tingling stories from yesteryear.
As night falls, join in the fun of the “Boos and Brews” pub crawl in downtown Columbus from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m..
Saturday evening isn’t one to miss, especially with the introduction of “Ghost Tales In Catfish Alley.” This interactive event starts at 6:30 p.m. and brings history to life through the performances of historical reenactors who will portray significant figures from Columbus’ past, particularly from the vibrant history of the old Black business district. The PSC president is particularly excited about this unique experience, noting, “We’re really going to bring the stories of Catfish Alley and former business owners to life.”
To top it all off, Saturday’s event will feature live music, creating a lively atmosphere to enjoy until 9:30 p.m.
Meanwhile, downtown businesses will also be bustling with their annual Christmas open house this Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m..
The best part? All events are free to attend! However, the CVB requests that those interested in the Victorian mourning party and the Ghost Tales in Catfish Alley RSVP to ensure a spot.
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