What do veterans, John F. Kennedy, departed loved ones, and the fight against hunger have in common? They are all being celebrated at the National Museum of Funeral History in November. From a canned food drive and traditional Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festivities to the commemoration of President John F. Kennedy’s funeral and special Veterans Day offers, the National Museum of Funeral History is getting into the holiday spirit with entertaining and educational activities.
To start, the National Museum of Funeral History is taking a stand and joining the fight against hunger, in remembrance of the billions worldwide who lose their life each year to starvation. In the spirit of the holidays, during November and December, visitors can give back to the community and give life to those in need by bringing a canned food item to the Museum. Visitors who bring a non-perishable canned food item will receive $2 off general museum admission for their donation, benefiting the Houston Food Bank.
On Sunday, November 1, museum visitors can partake in a special Dia de los Muertos celebration and learn more about the Latin customs surrounding the Day of the Dead activities held for deceased loved ones. Explore authentic altars made by local artists, commemorate your loved ones by leaving them a message in the Book of the Dead and bring mementos of the dearly departed to help build the Museum’s community “ofrenda,” or altar. There will be sweet treats, fun activities and a story time for kids from 3:30 - 4:30 pm with special costumed characters.
As an acknowledgement of Veterans Day, the National Museum of Funeral History is saying “thank you” to veterans by offering free general admission to veterans and active military servicemen and women the week of November 7 – 15. The Museum is a great place to pay respects to all who serve and have served by exploring the Museum’s military-related exhibitions and learning about military funeral traditions and more. These exhibits include the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Reflections on the Wall, a photography exhibit on the dedication of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Also in November, the Museum will pay tribute to President John F. Kennedy, as 2015 marks the 51st anniversary of his assassination and funeral. CBS Washington correspondent Roger Mudd said of the mass numbers during President Kenney’s public viewing in 1964, “This outpouring of affection and sympathy for the late president is probably the most majestic and stately ceremony the American people can perform.” In honor of this great leader’s life and legacy, the Museum has added a new JFK feature to the Presidential Funerals exhibit - a miniature replica of the well-known scene during Kennedy’s state funeral where John F. Kennedy, Jr., standing near his mother Jacqueline Kennedy, sister Caroline Kennedy, and uncles Senator Ted Kennedy and Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, saluted his father in front of the St. Matthew’s Cathedral as the casket carrying his father was borne by caisson on its final leg to Arlington National Cemetery for burial. This new element to the exhibit joins several other JFK related artifacts, including a replica of President Kennedy’s mahogany burial casket and the original eternal flame from his gravesite.
November undoubtedly is chock full of fun, educational activities at the National Museum of Funeral History. Whether you want to honor a loved one, learn about presidential funerals, perform an act of kindness by donating canned goods, or pay tribute to a Veteran, then the National Museum of Funeral History is your ideal destination.