Last updated: 10/24/2012
Houston, Texas
Address
415 Barren Springs Drive
Houston, TX 77090
phone: 281-876-3063
fax: 281-876-4403
e-mail: info@nmfh.org
web: www.nmfh.org

Hours

Monday - Friday
10 AM - 4 PM
Saturday
10 AM - 5 PM
Sunday
12 PM - 5 PM

Admissions

Group Rates are Available:Minimum of 25 guests required. $8.00 per person.

Adults: $10
Seniors: $9
Veterans: $9
Children (3 - 12): $4
Children under 3: Free

Staff

Genevieve G. Keeney
phone: 281-876-3063
e-mail:
Description

The National Museum of Funeral History houses the country's only collection of funeral service artifacts and features renowned exhibits on one of man's oldest cultural customs. Come discover the mourning rituals of ancient civilizations, see up-close the authentic items used in the funerals of U.S. presidents and popes, and explore the rich heritage of the industry which cares for the dead.

Mission

Today, the Museum continues in its mission to enlighten visitors on one of man's oldest cultural rituals and celebrate the rich history of funeral service.

History

The National Museum of Funeral History was founded in 1992 by Mr. Robert L. Waltrip, who spent 25 years dreaming of an institution which would educate the public and preserve the heritage of death care. With over 35,500 sq. ft. of exhibition space, the Museum has since grown to become the largest educational center on funerary customs in the United States and perhaps the world.

In 2005, the Museum began collaborating with the Vatican for what would become its hallmark exhibit, Celebrating the Lives and Deaths of the Popes. A collection of authentic items were acquired for display, including the Popemobile used by Pope John Paul II in 1982, original uniforms worn by The Swiss Guard (responsible for the Pope's personal security) and vestments from the tailor shop in Rome which has clothed the last seven Popes. A 10,500 sq. ft. expansion was carried out to accommodate the exhibit, which included premium sound and lighting, three-dimensional scenes and audio/visual multi-media presentations providing visitors with a true sense of attending a Pope's funeral. The exhibit was opened to the public in 2008.

Artifact Collections

Our permanent exhibits include:

Celebrating the Lives and Deaths of the Popes
Day of the Dead
The History of Embalming
19th Century Mourning Customs
Presidential Funerals
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Reflections on the Wall
Coffins and Caskets of the Past
Historical Hearses
Fantasy Coffins of Ghana, Africa
Japanese Funerals
Our newest exhibit, "Thanks for the Memories"
Educational Programs

The National Museum of Funeral History offers school and group tours. We have future plans for lecture series and a docent program is in the planning stages.

Facilities
Auditoriums
Lecture Halls
Performance Areas
Publications

The National Museum of Funeral History publishes a monthly e-newsletter which is available to anyone upon request. Please feel free to request a copy at info@nmfh.org.

Services
Gift Shop & Online Gifts

The National Museum of Funeral History has a large inventory of unique funeral and death-related items in our gift shop, including scholarly publications. All items are available online as well.

Tours

We offer tours for groups of all sizes. Please provide 48 hours notice for a guided tour.

Events

Our facility has a 130+ seat auditorium, meeting rooms, conference rooms, and small catering kitchen. We welcome groups up to 300 for conferences, meetings, and seminars.

Memorial Services

Our facility provides a pleasant, unique, and non-religious location to hold your memorial service. You may conduct your service in whatever way you find fits the life of your loved one.

Gift Shop
Online Gift Shop
Special Event Rental
Group Tours
ADA
Wheelchair Accessible
Exhibitions
Museum Events
DISCLAIMER
This information, including business hours, addresses and contact information is provided for general reference purposes only. No representation is made or warranty is given as to its content or the reliability thereof. User assumes all risk of use. Stories USA, Inc. and its content suppliers assume no responsibility for any loss or delay resulting from such use. Please call ahead to verify the dates, the location and directions.

MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Georgia Association of Museums 2025 Conference

February 5 - 7, 2025

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Small Museum Association 41st Annual Conference 2025

February 17 - 19, 2025

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2025 California Association of Museums Conference

February 18 - 22, 2025

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Virginia Association of Museum's 2025 Annual Conference!

March 15 - 18, 2025

Blacksburg, Virginia

2025 Am Assoc for State and Local History Annual Conference

September 10 - 13, 2025

Cincinnati, Ohio

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