Cupid’s Tea: Make a Victorian Valentine

The Western Illinois Museum invites you to Cupid’s Tea to create a Victorian-era-inspired valentine while enjoying a cup of tea. This family-friendly drop-in event will be held on Saturday, February 11th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Western Illinois Museum. The activity is ideal for school-age children and up, as well as for adults who have a fondness for making handmade gifts. There is a suggested $5 donation at the door.

The Victorians were known for popularizing the tradition of sending valentines, often using simple materials such as lace, ribbon, seashell, seeds, and silk thread.  With the expansion of the postal service, and the availability of affordable paper and printed images, the exchange of romantic and not-so-heartfelt messages quickly caught on. Drop by anytime between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm, and Museum volunteers will guide you through making either a pocket valentine or a puzzle purse valentine for your sweetheart.  Like a true Victorian, you can adorn your valentine with a variety of materials we’ll have on hand. Our re-enactors, Mrs. Bath and Mrs. Chu, will share the history of this “sitting room” craft and trace it to today’s Valentine’s Day traditions. As proper Victorian women, they will also invite you to share a cup of warm tea.  

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. Additional funding is provided by a grant from Illinois Humanities, with funds from the State of Illinois American Rescue Plan Act.

The Western Illinois Museum is located at 201 South Lafayette Street, one block south of Macomb’s Courthouse Square. For more information visit our website at www.wimuseum.org or contact the Western Illinois Museum by phone at 309.837.2750, email at info@wimuseum.org, or text at 309.837.2613.