The History of Cremation, a new exhibit currently being created by the National Museum of Funeral History in partnership with the Cremation Association of North America (CANA), is scheduled to open in 2018 and already there is a flurry of activity behind the scenes in preparation for this highly anticipated addition to the Museum.

  Plans for the new exhibit include the creation of a Donor Niche Wall, graciously provided by Carrier Mausoleum Co. Typically, a cremation niche is an aboveground burial space, where a decedent’s urn, containing their cremated remains, is placed inside and sealed. In the spirit of this tradition, the Museum’s Donor Niche Wall provides a visual opportunity for industry to support the exhibit by sponsoring a niche on the wall, which will house an urn with the company’s name on it in recognition as a financial supporter of the exhibit.

  Niche level contributions range from $1,500 - $5,000, depending on the size and location of the niche wall space. Many of the niches can be personalized with promotional items and photographs. Each sponsorship is for a five-year period; after five years, contributors will have the option of renewing their donation amount. In keeping with the theme of memorialization in the exhibit, donors will receive a special gift to commemorate their donation – a signature keepsake urn. 

  Another way for industry professionals to support the new cremation exhibit is by donating or loaning the Museum any artifacts, photographs, or other items that help tell the story of the history of cremation. Additionally, monetary donations ranging from $150 - $1,000 can also be made to help support The History of Cremation exhibit.

  “Since the National Museum of Funeral History ‘belongs’ to everyone in the industry,” said Genevieve Keeney, president of the National Museum of Funeral History, “it is important for all of our funeral industry colleagues to play a part in building this new exhibit and help the museum share the history of this very vital part of the funeral profession.”

  When the exhibit opens in 2018, museum goers will learn about the history of cremation, from the earliest evidence of the practice to how it is now practiced in the United States. Elements of the new exhibit include a memorialization room, a library room, a LeMoyne Retort room, a diorama room and a modern retort and will feature the latest technology and eye-catching visuals, making this an educational experience unlike any other.

  However, there’s no need to wait for the History of Cremation exhibit to open in 2018 to visit the museum, as there is plenty to explore now, as well. The month of December is a joyful one with events around every corner, vacations, out-of-town friends and family visiting, and parties full of fun, love and laughter.  During this jubilant time, there’s no better time to discover the National Museum of Funeral History, which has a variety of fun activities and offerings to offer during December to educate, entertain and bring the family together.

  The museum’s annual Holiday Canned Food Drive, which launched in November, is in full swing and donations of non-perishable canned foods are being graciously accepted, all of which will be donated to the Houston Food Bank. Many find it difficult to comprehend, but the truth is there is a colossal amount of food that goes to waste while certain populations have to find ways to survive with little or no food and millions lose their life each year to starvation. There is still has so much work our society needs to do to solve the problem of world hunger. Therefore, the National Museum of Funeral History is committed to doing its small part to tackle the hunger issue in the greater Houston community. Visitors who bring non-perishable food items to donate to the Museum’s food drive this month will receive $2 off general admission to the Museum as a token of appreciation for supporting the Houston Food Bank.

  As much as the holiday season is filled with such joy and happiness, it is also an important time to remember and pay tribute to our departed loved ones. To commemorate the loss of those closest to us, the National Museum of Funeral History’s special December exhibit is its annual Community Memorial Tree, which serves as a symbol of the season and pays tribute to the lives of those who have passed. Visitors can decorate a paper holiday ornament and write the name of a lost loved one and then display it on the community memorial tree or take the special ornament with them to enjoy at home.

  With a museum packed full of fascinating exhibits, fun facts, exciting scavenger hunts and thought provoking information, it’s the perfect time to gather family and friends and spend some quality time discovering the wonders of the National Museum of Funeral History.  

  For more information on how you can support the Museum and The History of Cremation exhibit, visit www.nmfh.org or contact Genevieve Keeney, President and COO of the National Museum of Funeral History at 281-876-3063 or gkeeneyg@yahoo.com.