The Victorian Parlor

The Victorian parlor was popular during the American Victorian era (second half of the 19th century- the early 20th century) in middle and upper class white homes in the United States. The parlor was the main room for entertaining family and friends. Wealthier families sometimes had more than one parlor. Sometimes the residing family had one parlor specifically for family guests and another for friends, and/or gentlemen's or ladies' parlors. The parlor table was a key piece of furniture in the room, and it often displayed family photographs and the Bible. Other types of furniture commonly found in the parlor were chairs, bookshelves, the parlor organ, and the sofa. Many different activities occurred in the parlor ranging from reading books, hosting tea parties or other social events, smoking cigars, playing music, and having family talks to playing games, such as charades and billiards.

The Victorian Parlor is on permanent public display for the public. It features furniture, kitchen and dining ware, and gentlemen and ladies' clothing and accessories from the Victorian era.