News of Robin Williams’ death left America in shock when headlines hit television and social media platforms all over the nation last August. After a long TV, film and comedic career, the passing of the beloved star certainly left a void in our society.

  As we approach the one year anniversary of Williams’ death (on August 11), the National Museum of Funeral History is remembering him with a Robin Williams Tribute event on August 8, 2015 from 10 am – 5 pm. 

  There are few things better known about Williams than his fascinating character voices. From Genie in Aladdin to the infamous Mrs. Doubtfire, Williams has delighted countless young and old with his chameleon-like ability to become anyone or anything with his voice. To honor this unique talent, a Robin Williams impersonator will be on hand during the celebration to revive some of Williams’ most well-loved characters and quotes for a time of laughter, reflection and gratitude. And, of course, to pose for photos with museum-goers!

  Additionally, museum visitors can feast their eyes and hearts on a touching photo display throughout the museum exhibits that features various moments from Williams’ life and career, which spanned nearly half of a century, as well as enjoy a fun Robin Williams trivia game to test themselves on how much, or how little, they know about the icon’s life and career. A memorial guest book also will be available for guests to sign and express sympathy and support, which will then be sent to Williams’ family following the event.

  The highlight of the memorial event will be the unveiling of a new permanent addition to the museum’s Thanks for the Memories exhibit – the boots Williams wore in the movie RV. While it is tough to spotlight just one remarkable role from the many Williams has embodied, RV is definitely a family favorite. The actor delivers in this hilarious and jaw-dropping comedy as Bob Munro, the patriarch of a dysfunctional family. Munro is determined to promote familial unity with a road trip that unexpectedly delivers nonstop catastrophe. The hiking boots Williams wore as part of his set wardrobe for the film will be an ongoing feature in Thanks for the Memories, a consistent reminder to all future visitors of the impact he made on the world.  Following the unveiling, museum-goers will enjoy seeing the boots in action on Williams as Munro during a special showing of RV in the museum’s auditorium.

  The Thanks for the Memories exhibit provides an up-close and personal look at the grand farewells for some of the world’s most iconic figures. Fans can explore authentic printed memorial folders and memorabilia used in the funeral services and burials of folks like Michael Jackson, Marilyn Monroe, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Frank Sinatra, Jim Henson, Whitney Houston, Elizabeth Taylor, John Wayne and others, along with tributes to more recently deceased personalities, such as Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Paul Walker. Wizard of Oz fans will appreciate the salute to Meinhardt Frank Raabe, famous for his role as a Munchkin coroner who certified the death of the Wicked Witch of the East, as well as his longtime position as a spokesperson for Oscar Mayer. There’s even a section dedicated to famous animals, including Old Yeller, Lassie, Benji and Mr. Ed.

  Additionally, the exhibit pays tribute to lesser-known people who have impacted American culture, including Charles Foley, the co-inventor of the game Twister, and Arch West, the Frito-Lay executive who invented Doritos, as well as Wendy’s restaurant founder Dave Thomas, and Billy Mays, the household name for household products, such as OxiClean, Orange Glo and Kaboom. 

  Beyond the August 8 event, the National Museum of Funeral History is a great summer “edu-tainment” destination for families looking to keep the kids engaged and learning while they are out of school. 

  To add more fun to the museum experience this summer, NMFH features two exciting scavenger hunt activities. One scavenger hunt encourages families to discover interesting facts from the history of the funeral industry, while a second helps families bone-up on the traditions of the Popes in the Celebrating the Lives & Deaths of the Popes exhibit. Guests who submit their completed (and correct!) scavenger hunt forms earn a one-time 10% discount on purchases in the Museum’s unique gift shop.