A House in Mourning

On June 1, 1868, James Buchanan passed away in his bedchamber at Wheatland, sending the house and family into a period of mourning. Back by popular demand, this guided, Special Subject Tour touches upon mourning culture in the Victorian era. Learn about the décor and dress of mourning and how thousands arrived at Wheatland’s door to pay their last respects to James Buchanan.

This is the first day of a three-day total run of A House in Mourning, coinciding with the dates Buchanan laid in state at Wheatland, 155 years ago.

Tours will be available on the hour, beginning at 10am and continuing until the last tour at 3pm. Please Note: These tours are not our regular General Admission tours and will be more focused on a particular topic than a general history of Buchanan and the home.

Tickets are available for purchase online or over the phone by calling (717) 392-4633. When booking online, be sure to first select the date of June 1, followed by the tour time of your choice. Advance reservations are highly recommended as tours may sell out and walk-in tickets may not be available. Members receive complimentary admission, but should reserve their tickets in advance to guarantee the tour time of their choice. All visitors must abide by LancasterHistory’s Health & Safety Protocols for Visitors.