You’ll Want to Visit the Creepiest Museum in Texas
If you're into Dark Tourism then you'll definitely want to add this creepy museum in Texas to your macabre road trip!
Texas is home to the National Museum of Funeral History, where everyday many are visiting from around the world to learn more about death.
The National Museum of Funeral History is located in Houston, Texas, and it is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history, art, and science of death care.
I know that funeral's are typically not a great conversation-starter, and you may think that a museum full of caskets and death facts sounds kind of boring; but they really are putting the "fun" in funeral here!
National Museum of Funeral History Background
The museum was founded in 1992 by Robert L. Waltrip, a funeral director who wanted to create a place to preserve the heritage of the funeral industry. The mission of the museum is to educate the public and preserve the rich history of funeral services, including their cultural and historical significance.
The museum features a wide array of permanent exhibits that cover various aspects of funerary customs and practices. Some notable exhibits include:
- "The History of Embalming" which explores the development of embalming practices from ancient Egypt to modern times.
- "Presidential Funerals" that showcases artifacts and information related to the funerals of U.S. presidents.
- "Celebrating the Lives and Deaths of the Popes" which includes items related to papal funerals and traditions.
- "Thanks for the Memories" which features celebrity funerals and memorabilia.
- "19th Century Mourning" that provides insight into the mourning customs and traditions of the 1800s.
The museum also hosts temporary exhibits that explore various themes related to death and funerals from different cultures and periods. One of the museum's highlights is its extensive collection of funeral service vehicles, including hearses from different eras and countries.
What is Dark Tourism?
Dark tourism, also known as thanatourism or grief tourism, involves visiting sites associated with death, tragedy, and the macabre. These sites often have historical, cultural, or educational significance, and people visit them to learn about and reflect on past events. This Texas museum would be considered "light" dark tourism.
With dark tourism on the rise, those who want to take a lighter approach to it, can visit the National Museum of Funeral History at 415 Barren Springs Drive, Houston, Texas.
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Gallery Credit: Lucky Larry, Mix 93-1