As Halloween costumes, decorations and candy are filling store shelves in anticipation of Halloween festivities to take place around the country, the National Museum of Funeral History is offering a host of spooktacular events and activities to celebrate the chills and thrills of the season.
    During the month of October, through November 2, visitors can be “scared to death” at a family-friendly haunted house, featuring a variety of different scenes designed to give goose bumps to young and old alike and offering a light-hearted view of a usually very serious subject.
    New to the Halloween line up this year is Myths and Legends of the Graveyard, a new interactive exhibit open through November 2, taking museum-goers back centuries to reveal how grave markers provide a glimpse into what life and language were like during the lifetime of the departed, when symbolism on tombstones was the language for the dead to speak from beyond. Lessons in art, culture and history isn’t likely the first thing cemetery visitors may expect to learn, but often historic tombstones reflect on the vanity of earthly life and the temporal nature of it. Museum guests will discover the history and art of tombstone iconography, explore grave rubbing techniques and delight over a variety of ghost stories, haunted tales and more.
    Inspired by the Museum’s impressive collection of historic hearses, auto enthusiasts have found a home at the Museum and gather each year for the Annual Halloween Classic Car Show. This year’s event is set for Saturday, October 24, 2015 from 10am-3pm and features more than 150 cars from classic to contemporary, motorized to hoof. Visitors will enjoy the fall festival atmosphere with arts and craft for the kids, great food from local vendors, a live DJ, silent auction and more. Anyone can enter their car in the show and are encouraged to “dress up” their car for Halloween. There will be a contest for the best decorated car, with judging by Blast from the Past Street Machines of Texas and awards in a variety of other categories. The event benefits local charities with proceeds going to Star of Hope, Morning Glory Ranch, The Shriner’s Burn Hospital, Houston Food Bank and The USO.
    While the images seen in the art made in commemoration of Día de los Muertos may look spooky, the holiday doesn’t have anything to Halloween traditions. Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is actually a celebration in remembrance of loved ones who have passed away and is practiced in many different ways throughout Mexico and Latin America on November 1 and 2. Those observing Día de los Muertos believe their departed family members return to visit them on Earth, thereby producing a lively day, not somber in the least, filled with family and friends sharing stories and partaking in the departed’s favorite food, drink and music. This is why the Día de los Muertos artwork often depicts skeletons doing everyday things like running a shop, walking a dog or dancing. Humor, love and laughter are a large part of this spirited tribute.
    Traditionally families build ofrendas (memory tables or altars) in their home made up of photos, letters, treasured objects and favorite food and drink of those being remembered. Other gatherings take place at the cemetery where a loved one is buried. Families decorate headstones with marigolds and cockscomb along with similar items as on the ofrendas with the party centering around the headstone.
    The Museum houses a large permanent Día de los Muertos exhibition with full-scale models of a Mexican home and graveyard, as they would typically appear during Día de los Muertos, along with a customary ofrenda.  On November 1, during the Museum’s annual Day of the Dead celebration, visitors may also explore temporary ofrendas made by local artists, commemorate a loved one by leaving them a message in the Book of the Dead and bringing mementos to help build the Museum’s community altar. There will be sweet treats, fun activities and a story time for kids with special costumed characters.  
    The Museum’s gift shop features a large collection of Día de los Muertos mementos, as well as the popular, collectible Furrybones creatures. Not in the Houston area? No worries, Furrybones and other unique gift items are available for purchase on the Museum’s website – www.nmfh.org.  Where else can you find an “Any Day Above Ground is a Good One” koozie?