National Museum of Funeral History

415 Barren Springs Dr, Houston, TX 77090, USA

Address:	415 Barren Springs Dr, Houston, TX 77090, USA
Phone:	+1 281-876-3063
Site:	nmfh.org
Rating:	4.6
Working:	10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–5PM 12–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 15

Vivian Mahoney

My husband was a funeral director, embalmer, in FL and deputy coroner in CA , Manager of Funeral Homes and owned his own Body & Removal Service for 18 Palm Beach County Funeral Homes. All told he did this for 35 years. Finally retired due to major shoulder injuries. There was one thing he spoke of for years on end... he wanted to go to the Houston Funeral Directors Museum. He finally did, he was so proud and happy. He was also so proud to show the ticket lady his BROCHURE of the Museum that he held on to for years and years. She asked if he would give it to her for the museum, "as they did not have any of them anymore." He told her he would let her copy it. If I can locate it. if you like, I will be glad to send it to you on my husband John F. Mahoney, SR. LFDs behalf. This was unfortunately my darlings last trip anywhere. We were there August 2013. May 2014, a horse, loose from a tourist attraction riding stable, collided head on totaling our car and killing my husband, landing me in hospital for 14 days and many surgeries later. Nothing hurt like losing my love. But thank God, thank you, for helping to make his last trip, of thousands, be his life long wish come true with incredible memories.

Greg Rumpff

Yes the subject of the museum is high on "kitsch factor" but for $10 American I spent 2 pretty entertaining hours there. Best artifacts are those related to Presidents (such as a hearse used to transport both Reagan and Ford and a copy of the funeral bill for George Washington) but it was also interesting to see the only 1916 Packard "funeral bus" still in existence (mourners rode WITH the casket). Several old newspaper articles detailing famous deaths and funeral programs from sports figures to entertainers to politicians to somewhat quirky personages (the inventors of Doritos and Twister respectively). Lots of examples of tools of the embalming trade..some going as far back as the Civil War. I agree with whoever said its probably not good for most littles...I would say this is best for junior high and older. Lots of random things learned: Did you know it was once customary to create a wall decoration using locks of a dead loved ones hair? That bodies were once literally put on ice? That people used to display post-mortem photos of loved ones? Worth a stop.

Amanda Wallace

Took my 2 and 1 year old, we all had a blast! A variety of all things death. From hearses to embalming history. Although you cant touch the artifacts (like the railroad hearse with a lever my 2 year old found) they have alot of casings for every thing, and ropes blocking off stuff, and seats for bored little ones. So its kid friendly if you ask me. There was a great variety in the entire museum! I left thinking I did not expect to see every thing I did. Actual artifacts from Presidents funerals, a Dia De Los Muertos section, Batmobile, a glass casket, a 3 person casket?! Amazing. Loved it, would highly recommend. Strange, yet loved it.

Roy Cormier

The name may sound like its something you dont want to see, however; that would be totally wrong. Hidden in an area of Houston not known for museums, however; its proximity to Houstons largest funeral schools makes it make sense. And go ready to learn. The Papal exhibit is one of a kind with and there is a Popemobile on exhibit to gander at too. And what about all your favorite stars over the years, many have made their wall of fame and you can see the actual program they used for their funeral. And if you are an Abe Lincoln buff, the details of his multiple funerals are all laid out here.

Dimitry Tumens

The museum has a very good general exposition of significant funeral ceremonies in the US history - presidents, Hollywood stars, etc. It has a great collection of hearses, anything from 1860s horse driven hearses, 1930s cars and 1980s Mercedes. Foreign funeral ceremonies are well covered too. The place is very well taken care of, great collection of relics, many are authentic. The museum is not scary at all, just plain history and some simple-life scenes, nothing to chill your nerves or to scary children.

Kevin King

A truly unique experience. While not as engrossing as some of the traditional museums downtown in the museum district, this place is a strange gem off 45. With an eclectic mix of exhibits from several dozen hearses, exhibits on embalming, grieving in different cultures, the popes funereal rites, and presidential funerals. Youll find yourself snapping photos with macabre intrigue and delight. The gift shop has lots of fun gifts too!

Andrew Alvey

Wow! Were lucky in Houston since we have the only National Museum of Funeral History. This place is jam packed with amazing artifacts and memorabilia from an official presidential hearse to custom designed caskets to a replica of the popes tomb. I spend a good deal of my afternoon here and didnt want to leave because there is just so much to see here. I highly recommend everyone to come visit this unique hidden treasure in Houston.

Jason McDonald

Out-of-the-way, unusual museum. Weve probably all been to many a funeral in our day, but have you ever wondered about the rituals? This small but nifty museum is an amazing collection of artifacts on the funeral industry. It has an amazing collection of funeral hearses, presidential funeral items, and more. I found especially amazing the tiny collection of memorabilia on President Lincolns funeral!

B Hanson

Worth visiting, especially if youre into history, cars, or anything related to this industry. The free tour is great, and lasts 2-2.5 hours if youre interested, or you can just look around. They have a lot of rare and unique items, and everything is presented very respectfully. Highly recommended, especially since its near the airport and only $10 for adult admission.

Joan Frantz

My husband & I visited the museum this summer. We are traveling the US in our motor home. We try to see some of the unusual places, and this sounded like one. It was a very interesting place. We saw it the week before the big Pope ceremonies. If you are visiting Houston, try to make this place one of your destinations.

Maria Rowe

Such an amazing place, full of history!! You get that spooky feel as soon as you walk in and you get sucked back into the past. Into the wonders of how people once thrived and how they were finally laid to rest. From the rich and the famous to the wild west and burial of the pope. Full of amazement and awe.

Makenna Powell

Unique, informational and fun for the whole family! I would highly recommend this place to anyone seeking a good time. Also, ask if a tour guide is available. They explain everything about the museum, answer questions and give extra tips and facts!

Melissa Johnson

Not a place that would hold the attention of small humans. Lots of history in this place! Definitely not as morbid as some might think. The religious, presidential and patriotic history/artifacts. *Also, dont waste your money on the haunted house.*

Marshall Martin

I cant believe how cool this place is. The collection of vehicles, artifacts and historical facts were very interesting. The presidential and Pope collections were well done. Little kids might be bored but all in all worth a visit.

Hassaan Monir

WOW! I am so glad I visited this museum! Not like it was the happiest moment of my life, but this was actually interesting. I was glad to see people I learned about in school on a professional stage like this. For example, Hdawg3!