Founded in 1992, the National Museum of Funeral History celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2017

  This year, the National Museum of Funeral History celebrates its 25th anniversary. As we reflect on that significant milestone, we pause to remember how it all began – with an idea that grew from Robert L. Waltrip’s 25-year dream of establishing an institution to educate the public on man’s oldest profession and preserve the heritage of death care. The NMFH groundbreaking in Houston, Texas in February 1992 was followed later that year by the opening of a 20,500-square-foot facility to house artifacts of the funeral service industry; items Mr. Waltrip had realized were otherwise being discarded as technologies evolved and new methods were embraced.  The Museum became a place to collect and preserve the history of the industry, including how it began and how it has evolved over time. The first major exhibit was a collection of vintage hearses, which is still a popular component of the Museum that continues to expand and fascinate visitors.

  The Museum has grown in the 25 years since it first premiered, both in physical space, as well as its collections, through generous donations and acquisitions of significant items that continue to help document the history of the industry. A major expansion of the Museum was necessary after the Museum began its collaboration with the Vatican in 2005 for what was to become one of its hallmark exhibits, Celebrating the Lives and Deaths of the Popes. A collection of authentic items was acquired by the Museum for display, including the original uniforms worn by The Swiss Guard (responsible for the Pope’s personal security) and vestments from Gammarelli’s, the tailor shop in Rome, which has clothes the last seven Popes.  A 10,000 square foot expansion of the Museum took place to accommodate the 5,000 square foot exhibit, which opened in 2008 and featured premium sound and lighting, three-dimensional scenes and audio/visual multi-media presentations, which provide visitors with a true sense of what it’s like to attend a Pope’s funeral and insight into the sacred traditions observed when a pope dies.

  In June 2016, inspired by the April 27, 2014 canonization Mass at the Vatican that elevated Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII to saints, the Museum opened a new permanent section of its Celebrating the Lives & Deaths of the Popes exhibit entitled “The Making of a Saint.”  The new addition to the popular exhibit offers a unique opportunity to learn about the process of becoming a saint, from beatification to canonization, and features new papal artifacts as well as a special collection of Saint John Paul II memorabilia, including an authentic 1982 Range Rover “Popemobile” (now fondly known as the “Saintmobile”) used by Saint John Paul II in 1982 during his tour of the United Kingdom.

  Now, with more than 30,000 square feet of exhibit space and 14 permanent exhibits, the Museum has become the largest educational center on funerary customs in the United States and perhaps the world. Thousands of visitors each year explore the Museum’s permanent exhibits on a broad spectrum of funeral-related topics ranging from the ancient embalming rituals of Egypt to remembering celebrities and public figures.

  And more exhibits are in the planning stage, including “The History of Cremation,” a new permanent exhibit slated to open in 2018 in collaboration with the Cremation Association of North America (CANA). Stay tuned for more info on this exciting new addition to the Museum in the months to come.

  This year, in honor of its 25th anniversary, the National Museum of Funeral History has several exciting plans in the works, including the debut of a special temporary exhibit featuring a replica of the original 1966 Batmobile created by George Barris, who died in 2016 and was considered the ‘original’ “King of Kustomizers,” as well as a replica of Barris’ customized casket (opening in February 2017, just in time for Super Bowl LI which will be held in Houston).  Additionally, the Museum will unveil the addition of authentic President Harry Truman artifacts in its Presidential Funerals exhibit in honor of President’s Day 2017. The artifacts were recently donated by Lee Ward, a funeral director and collector from Missouri.  Plus, the Museum will be paying tribute to Mohammed Ali in honor of the one year anniversary of his death, Elvis Presley in honor of the 40th anniversary of his death, as well as Princess Diana and Mother Teresa in honor of the 20th anniversary of their deaths.  Then, in November, the Museum will host a special 25th anniversary reception and celebration, as well as offer special 25th anniversary admission pricing for museum visitors during the month of November.

  Happy New Year and cheers to another great 25 years! We hope to see you at the National Museum of Funeral History this year!