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.
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.
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 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 OPENS APRIL 27, 2023
Photos courtesy of: Barrie M. Schwortz Collection Stera, Inc.
POST-MORTEM PHOTOGRAPHY
The Post-Mortem Photography showcase at the museum shines a spotlight on a branch of photography that has long been forgotten.
FEATURED EXHIBITS
CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC
Sponsor and/or participate in the Charity Golf Classic, held every fall at the prestigious Kingwood Country Club.
VIEW THE EVENT EVENT GALLERYUPCOMING EVENTS
Here are some exciting new events coming up in 2023.
THE MOST FAMOUS BURIAL OF ALL TIME: THE SHROUD OF TURIN
The National Museum of Funeral History (NMFH) is sponsoring presentations of the Shroud of Turin to share information about the precious linen and to raise awareness of it’s planned permanent exhibit: ``The Most Famous Burial of All Time.``
AN EVENING WITH THE EXPERTS
An in depth “behind-the-scenes” look at the work of the Shroud of Turin Research Project (STURP) team. Col. Rudy Dichtl and Photographer Barrie Schwortz will share personal experiences of their time working on one of the “most significant scientific studies ever performed on the Shroud,” and how it impacted their personal lives and their faith.JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER
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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.
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.
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.
