Java with Joe E.: Rachel Bellis, “Black Cloth: Mourning Dress & Drapery at the White House”

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of its Java with Joe E. series on Thursday, February 26th at 9 am. Rachel Bellis, Museum Curator, will be presenting “Black Cloth: Mourning Dress and Drapery at the White House.”
“Black cloth was a powerful part of the public and private displays of bereavement at the White House. Rachel Bellis, the Holland Land Office Museum’s curator, created a digital exhibit for the White House Historical Association, which explores the draping of the White House façade and its interiors with black fabric for the eight presidents who died in office, and the black mourning gowns and accessories worn by their spouses. Through her investigation into the complex rituals of mourning at the White House, Rachel highlights the use of black cloth as a key part of these historic moments of grief.”
Admission is free with coffee and donuts. If you would like to attend, please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.
Thank you to Tim Horton’s of Batavia for again sponsoring Java with Joe E. for 2026.