The National Museum of Funeral History

WELCOME TO OUR MUSEUM

The National Museum of Funeral History is an educational experience like no other and offers something for everyone. Discover America’s largest collection of authentic, historical funeral service items.

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Learn about caskets and coffins, hearses through history, plus the funerals of Presidents, Popes, celebrities and more while you witness the cultural heritage of the funeral service industry and its time-honored tradition of compassion.

New Exhibit

HISTORY OF MOURNING PHOTOGRAPHY

The History of Mourning Photography showcase at the museum shines a spotlight on a branch of photography that has long been forgotten.

The National Museum of Funeral History

The Most Famous Burial of All Time:

THE SHROUD OF TURIN

Become an important part of this awe-inspiring exhibit!

The Shroud of Turin is an ancient linen cloth that holds a mysterious image of a scourged and crucified man. It is widely regarded as the most scientifically studied artifact in history, yet no one can explain how the mysterious image was formed.

EXHIBIT PERMANENTLY OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Photos courtesy of: Barrie M. Schwortz Collection Stera, Inc.

New Exhibit

POST-MORTEM PHOTOGRAPHY

The Post-Mortem Photography showcase at the museum shines a spotlight on a branch of photography that has long been forgotten.

The National Museum of Funeral History

FEATURED EXHIBITS

CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC

Sponsor and/or participate in the Charity Golf Classic, held every fall at the prestigious Kingwood Country Club.

The National Museum of Funeral History

UPCOMING EVENTS

Here are some exciting new events coming up in 2023.

Friday, December 15th 2023 @ 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM | VIP Starts at 6 PM
Friday, December 15th 2023 @ 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM | VIP Starts at 6 PM
Hosted at the National Museum of Funeral History

A MERRY CREEPMAS MARKET

We had so much fun with the Witches Brew, let’s do it again! Tickets go on sale NEXT FRIDAY, Nov. 10th 2023 Get your tickets before they sell out!

So I love off the wall unique spots. I seek them out all over the world. This is above average for them. I was expecting a small ode to saying goodbye and was pleasantly surprised not only with the size but the quality or presentation and the detailed explanations of each display. I bet I took 200 photos. Gift shop in tow but lacked stickers for my personal remembrance. Got a patch instead! Also found a couple local dark art pieces so a win! Highly recommend a visit.

Bill Oas
Visitor

While not knowing what to expect, we were thoroughly amazed. Thinking to spend 1/2 to 1 hour before lunch, we spent 2+ hours here. Thinking it would be a dark and solemn, it was anything but. There is a history on embalming and cremation exhibit. An excellent display of vehicles used for funerals. Items from presidential and famous people. I'm not going to say anymore, don't want to spoil it. At $10 fee, the best money I spent in Texas!

Stephen Hardwick
Visitor

This was the most interesting and informative place I have been in the last few months! Staff are super friendly, TONS of amazing exhibits and classic cars to look at and a really cool gift shop with so many terrific items! My 8 yr old loved it too! Will definitely go back!

Whitney Castillo-Walker
Visitor

By far one of THE BEST museums ever visited. There was no stone left unturned. Great information. It would have been nice if there were some self guided audio to go along with the the different exhibits. It would have been nice to see some exhibits organize by time-line of where funerals started to where they are today. Overall an excellent museum that everyone should see.

Tamyra L
Visitor

Awesome museum near Houston, one of the more unique and content-rich ones around here. Not a large place but has a lot of artifacts, weird facts and interesting history around the culture of funeral. Nicely organized and separated into various sections. I'd recommend spending about three hours here, I went for a bit less than two hours and definitely did not have enough time to browse through everything this place had to offer.

Di Lu
Local Guide

One of the most amazing date I've been on with my partner! We spent 4 hours in there and still missed just a little bit. They have everything from Presley to Popes, coffins to carriages, day of the dead to ancient Egyptians. If you decide to take this wonderful adventure, plan to spend some time! Everything here is beyond interesting and very educational in a fun way.

Kayla Newitt
Visitor
Museum news

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2023

DEATH TAKES TO THE INTERNATIONAL TRAMWAYS

By Bob Boetticher Sr. Chairman, National Museum of Funeral History

Guiding the Spirit into its next life

An historical look around the world — from simple hearse trailers to opulent funeral trams The funeral streetcar or trolley of the United States had a lot in common with
the international funeral trams of other countries during the 19th century. They existed for a short time, providing funeral transportation services to the communities where they operated.

In the United States, a tram is the same as a streetcar, traveling along tracks on city streets or as part of the local rail system. Tram vehicles are much lighter than traditional rail cars and use a bow collector attached to the roof to connect to overhead power lines.

In the mid-1800s, many major cities and even smaller towns felt that their local cemeteries were reaching capacity, and some medical professionals raised concerns that this could lead to a public health risk. To resolve this issue,
ordinances were passed banning new burials within city limits, encouraging the development of new cemeteries in tural areas.

The National Museum of Funeral History

MUSEUM SHOP

Often described as one of the Houston’s most unique gift shops, visitors can find a variety of gifts and one-of-a-kind treasures.

The National Museum of Funeral History

HOW TO GET HERE

Get directions to the National Museum of Funeral History on Google Maps.

The National Museum of Funeral History is located on the North side of Houston off of Interstate 45 and Richey Road, exit 64, about 15 minutes west of Bush Airport (IAH.)

You will find more things to do in Houston and Houston attractions on our What’s Nearby page.

Mon - Fri: 10am - 4pm
Sat: 10am - 5pm
Sun: 12pm - 5pm

Adults: $15
Seniors (55+) / Veterans: $12
Children (ages 6 to 11): $7
Children (5 and under): Free
SCI Employees:$10 with ID badge or business card

415 Barren Springs Drive, Houston TX
281-876-3063