What do veterans, departed loved ones, first responders and the fight against hunger have in common? They are all being honored 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 special Veterans Day offers and a moving 9-11 memorial exhibit, 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.
Then, on Saturday, November 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Museum is celebrating Day of the Dead, or “Día de los Muertos,” a colorful religious celebration practiced by Meso-American cultures honoring deceased loved ones. The festivities, located near the Museum’s permanent Día de los Muertos exhibit and included with admission to the museum, features a variety of fun activities such as storytelling, costumed character, hands-on craft activities, sweet treats and more.
Visitors will marvel at the exquisite artistry and touching tributes that are part of this popular holiday and explore its traditions via full-scale models of a traditional Mexican home and graveyard, as they would typically appear during this celebration, and a customary ofrenda (memorial tables or altars) featuring decorative elements to honor loved ones and items to be “enjoyed” by the deceased, such as food, photographs and more. Visitors are encouraged to bring and leave mementos of their loved ones on the museum’s Community Altar. These authentic ofrendas decorated with photos, candles, flowers, breads and other memorial objects will be on display throughout the month of November.
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, these and other unique gift items are available for purchase on the Museum’s website – www.nmfh.org. Now’s the perfect time to get a jump start on your holiday shopping! After all, where else can you find an "Any Day Above Ground is a Good One" koozie?
Mid-month, in honor 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 5 – 13. 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.
Plus, this year, visitors can experience a poignant temporary exhibit, United We Stand, United We Signed, which commemorates the 15th anniversary of 9-11, memorializing the men and women who lost their lives and paying tribute to the first responders who bravely served on that fateful September day. The exhibit, which runs through the end of 2016, showcases memorial books from Dignity Memorial funeral homes around the nation that were put out for people to express their condolences and grief for all of those who lost their lives following the 9/11 tragedy. This is the first time they have been seen by the public. Museum goers can also reflect about where they were that tragic day in 2001 and share their memories in the exhibit, which will ultimately be used in 2021 for a special 9-11 20th anniversary exhibit the museum is planning.
November undoubtedly is a chock full of a variety of unique and educational activities at the National Museum of Funeral History. Whether you want to honor a loved one, 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.