All lectures include a Q&A session and have a companion PowerPoint presentation.
All lectures can be presented remotely via zoom or another virtual platform.
“Unraveling the Enigma: Exploring the Life and Works of Edgar Allan Poe”
Join Valerie for a captivating lecture that delves deep into the fascinating world of one of literature’s most enigmatic figures. this lecture offers a comprehensive exploration of Edgar Allan Poe’s life, his influences, and the enduring legacy of his literary creations. Attendees will emerge with a newfound appreciation for Edgar Allan Poe’s singular contributions to the world of literature and an enhanced understanding of the complexities of his life and work.
Spiritualism & Mourning in Victorian America
The Victorian era is remembered for elaborate rituals around death and mourning. Strict social rules governed the behavior of the bereaved. Alongside this, spiritualists and mediums offered hope of contacting those who had passed on. We will learn what was required of a newly bereaved family and discuss how Victorians attempted to contact the dead. *For an extra fee, Valerie will dress in Victorian mourning attire for the presentation*
Call the Doctor! Victorian Medical Practices
Victorians treated sickness and injury very differently than we do today. Then, they primarily relied on home remedies, natural cures, and prayer. This lecture will discuss the various therapies for disease, some that worked and some that did not. We will also talk about treatments prescribed by doctors, such as bleeding and purging, and touch on how Civil War doctors treated battlefield injuries.
“I do!” Victorian Wedding Traditions
Why do brides wear white? Why is an engagement ring a required purchase? These and other questions will be answered in this lecture. We will learn where our traditions have come from and how many wedding traditions today result from Victorian culture.
Victorian Sentiments: Decoding the Language of Flowers, Fans, Gloves and Tea
Join us as we unravel the fascinating world of Victorian sentiments, where seemingly mundane objects became powerful tools of expression and communication. From romantic courtships to clandestine affairs, the language of flowers, fans, gloves, and tea reveals a rich tapestry of human emotion and social dynamics. Gain insight into this bygone era and uncover the hidden meanings beneath the surface of Victorian society.
Merry Christmas! Victorian Holiday Traditions
Why do we send Christmas Cards? Who had the 1st modern Christmas tree? When did Santa get his iconic red suit? All of these traditions have their roots in Victorian times. We will learn how and when these any other holiday traditions started and see how much of our modern practices got their start in the 1800s
Historically Speaking 