Established in 1992, the National Museum of Funeral History in Houston offers an unparalleled insight into the rites and rituals surrounding death across various cultures and eras. With over 30,000 square feet of exhibition space, it houses the country’s largest collection of funeral service artifacts and features historical hearses, including those used for U.S. Presidents and Popes.

Visitors can explore exhibits like “Celebrating the Lives and Deaths of the Popes,” “History of Embalming,” and “Presidential Funerals,” which showcase intricate details of funeral practices and the evolution of memorial customs. The museum’s collection includes a replica of Abraham Lincoln’s coffin, a 1916 Packard funeral bus, and even fantasy coffins from Ghana, offering a global perspective on death and the afterlife.

The museum also provides insights into the funeral traditions of famous figures, highlighting how their legacies were honored in death. This hidden gem encourages contemplation of life’s transient nature through its unique lens on history and culture. Everyone should visit the National Museum of Funeral History before their final farewell: that’s what bucket lists are for!