Thing to Do

Make a Historic Valentine

Decorative card with hearts and flowers,
Color and personalize your Victorian Valentine!

NPS Image

Do you want to take your Valentine back in time?

Make your own historic Victorian Valentine’s Day Card

  • Download the card
  • Print front to back (long edge)
  • Fold in half
  • Color
  • Decorate
  • Personalize for your Valentine


Or you can decorate virtually! 

  • Download the card
  • Open the file in a drawing software
  • Create your virtual Victorian Valentine

Want to be a true pioneer? Try your hand at making a handmade card!


Valentines in the mid-1800s were expensive and not readily available in rural places. Pioneers would make their own cards with whatever things they could find around the house - and could spare to give up!

What will you need? A piece of paper or heavier card stock, glue, trimmings (think extra buttons, ribbon, newspaper, magazines, etc.)

  • Find trimmings and other things that are available around the house
  • Fold your paper in half
  • Use your glue to attach your decorations to the front of your card
  • Get creative
  • Create your Pioneer Valentine

Learn more about historic Valentine's Day Cards

Details

Make your own Valentine's Day card. 

Fun for any age!

Make a Valentine's Day card for your pet!

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

This is a virtual activity - download and make your card from your house!

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Make your own pioneer Valentine's Day card:  

  • Find trimmings around your house (examples would be ribbons, old buttons, lace, etc.)

  • Fold a piece of heavy card stock in half

  • Use a glue stick to attach your decorations to the front of the card

  • Allow to dry and gift to your Valentine!

Tags

A historic valentines card with ornate roses.
I Think of Thee Dear Love of Mine the Best of All That's Not Divine. 1882

L. Prang & Co., Publisher. I Think of Thee Dear Love of Mine the Best of All That's Not Divine. , 1882. [Boston: Published by L. Prang & Co., Boston] Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2016652334/.

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Last updated: July 24, 2024