With the spooky season upon us, join State Historic Site Educators, Elana Barton from the Sam Bell Maxey House, and Joanne Soward and Cortney Smith from Fulton Mansion, as they explore mourning, spiritualism, and symbolism in the Victorian Era.
The Sam Bell Maxey House will explore the rise of Victorian spiritualism, from mysterious spirit raps to the séance rooms where science, grief, and spectacle intertwined. The Fulton Mansion will look at mourning practices such as how Victorians dressed themselves and their homes as well as cemetery symbolism and practice.
Interested in visiting these sites in October? Get an inside peek at upcoming events like Maxey after Dark and Fulton Mansion Spooky Stories!
Presenters:
Cortney Smith has been an Educator at the Fulton Mansion State Historic Site for nearly two years. She received her BA from The University of Texas at Austin where she double majored in Classical Studies and History with a minor in Business. She earned her MA in History from Texas State University, specializing in Public History. The Fulton Mansion is not her first position with the THC or the State. During her studies, she held internships at the Sam Rayburn House and the National Museum of the Pacific War and worked as a Tour Guide at the Capital Visitors Center. During her time as the latter, she became a Certified Interpretive Guide. Cortney now uses her knowledge of interpretation, research, and writing to share history in new and exciting ways.
Elana Barton serves as the Educator/Interpreter of the Sam Bell Maxey House State Historic Site. Barton has a BS from UNT and her Masters of Science and Information Studies, Library and Archives from the University of Texas-Austin. Prior to taking her position at the Maxey House, she spent seven years at the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum. Enthusiastic, knowledgeable and creative, Barton wants to encourage families and visitors to enjoy the events on offer at her site for fun and education.
Joanne Soward is the Educator Specialist at the Fulton Mansion State Historic Site. A passionate educator and interpreter, Soward has over six years of experience teaching middle school art at Moreno Junior High in Beeville, Texas. Her love of Texas history, historic architecture, and storytelling has led her to my current role.
