Looking for meaningful and creative things to do on Valentine's Day? The Western Illinois Museum invites the community to celebrate with two Victorian-inspired programs Saturday, Feb. 14, offering hands-on crafting, live music, and a chance to slow down and enjoy good company.
The day begins with 'Cupid’s Tea: Make a Victorian Valentine,' a family- friendly, drop-in program from 10 a.m.-noon. Visitors of all ages are invited to create handmade Victorian- style valentines while enjoying a cup of tea and live ragtime music.
During the Victorian era, the exchange of valentines became widely popular, featuring materials such as lace, ribbon, silk thread, seeds, shells and printed images. With the growth of the postal service and the rise of affordable printing, valentines ranged from heartfelt to humorous. At both programs, participants can create their own pocket valentines or puzzle purse valentines, with guidance from Museum volunteers and access to a variety of decorative materials.
Museum re-enactors Mrs. Bath and Mrs. Chu will share stories about Valentine traditions and the history of this popular 'sitting room' craft. Pianist Richie Bliesener will provide live ragtime music from the late 19th century, completing the morning’s Victorian atmosphere.
The celebration continues in the evening with 'A Victorian Valentine Parlor Party' from 7-9 p.m. This lively program draws inspiration from 19th-century parlor gatherings, where music, handicrafts and maybe a little courting will make for a proper parlor gathering.
Guests are invited to gather around the piano for a Victorian take on karaoke, led by Aaron Ames, head accompanist at Western Illinois University, along with members of the Macomb High School Theater Club.
Singing along is encouraged, and enthusiasm matters more than polish.
Between songs, participants can create handmade Victorian-style valentines using period-inspired materials. Re-enactors Mrs.
Bath and Mrs. Chu will return to share stories about parlor life, courtship customs and how these traditions evolved into modern Valentine’s Day celebrations. A Victorian- style snack will be served, a bar will be available and the Museum’s Victorian Ladies will be on hand to chaperone, with a wink.
This program is designed for all ages.
Both programs have a suggested $5 donation at the door. Grants from the Illinois Arts Council Agency partially support both programs.
The Western Illinois Museum is located at 201 S. Lafayette Street, one block south of Macomb’s Courthouse Square. The Museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the history, culture, and traditions of McDonough County through exhibits, music, lectures, and public programs.
For a full schedule of events, visit wimuseum. org or follow @wimuseum on social media. For more information, call 309-8372750, text 309-837-2613, or email [email protected].
