CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The Customs House Museum & Cultural Center is showcasing items from its collection with the exhibit A Time of Mourning, now on display.

The exhibit highlights how rigorous mourning etiquette affected women’s attire; the grieving process is explored through clothing, photographs, and a variety of other objects.

The museum was honored to receive a portrait of Nannie Tyler this past November. The portrait was donated by Dr. Charlotte Gill, a Tyler family descendant. This is the first time the portrait has ever been on exhibit.

Nannie Tyler is a well-known figure in Clarksville’s history. She passed away at the age of four in 1885 from diphtheria. Her parents, Judge C.W. Tyler and Mollie Settle Tyler, had a marble statue made in her likeness to adorn the top of her grave in Greenwood Cemetery.

In 1996, the statue of Nannie was stolen from the cemetery. Later that year, the statue was located at an antique store in Boston and returned to its rightful place. The return of the statue to Greenwood Cemetery made the news around the nation. The museum also received a portrait of Judge C.W. Tyler, Nannie’s father. The portrait of Judge Tyler was donated by Tyler Gill, also a Tyler family descendant.

Also on display are objects owned by Serepta Mildred Jordan. Serepta was born January 27, 1839 in New Providence, Tennessee. When she was 18 years old Serepta began to write in a journal. She started around 1857 and continued writing in her journal until 1864, close to the end of the Civil War. Her journal, as well as her dress, shawl, and other possessions, are part of the exhibit.

A Time of Mourning is on exhibit through May 8. Located at the corner of Second and Commerce Streets, the Customs House Museum is the second largest general interest museum in Tennessee.

Regular museum hours are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Tuesday through Saturday, and 1:00 to 5:00 pm on Sundays. The Museum features rotating shows, permanent exhibits, multiple galleries, and an interactive children’s area. For more information visit www.customshousemuseum.org or call 931-648-5780.