Page A28 july 2024 ASSOCIATION NEWS AMRA INSTRUMENTS Researched, Developed and Patented by Funeral Directors Research,Inc. visit www.amrainstruments.com for links to our Supply Chain Partners ™ ® Order Direct at 1-800-782-8249 Free UPS Ground Shipping www.mccordcasketsandvaults.com Museum Corner www.NMFH.org FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS www.NomisPublications.com Monthly Columnsonline at The National Museum of Funeral History houses the country’s largest collection of funeral service artifacts and features renowned exhibits on one of man’s oldest cultural customs. Visitors can explore eighteen permanent exhibits and discover the mourning rituals of ancient civilizations, see up-close the authentic items used in the funerals of U.S. presidents and popes and explore the rich heritage of the industry that cares for the dead.. The museum is located at 415 Barren Springs Dr., Houston, Texas 77090. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.nmfh.org/tickets-type/in-person-tickets. For more information, visit www.nmfh.org, or call 281-876-3063. Located in North Houston, near Bush Intercontinental Airport, you’ll find the one-of-a-kind National Museum of Funeral History. Only in Houston can you find a coffin shaped like a Mercedes Benz and a stunning hearse collection. Founded in 1992 to educate the public and preserve the rich heritage of the funeral industry, the museum features exhibitions ranging from a 1900s casket factory to embalming during battle in the Civil War. As the museum states in its tagline, “Every day above ground is a good one.” A Life Well Lived: Fantasy Coffins from Ghana Historical Hearses The Museum’s collection of rare funeral service vehicles traces the evolution of funerary customs, from the elegant horse-drawn carriages of the 19th century to the actual hearses used in the funeral of Grace Kelly and the state funeral services of U.S. Presidents Ronald Reagan and Gerald R. Ford. In America’s car culture, hearses emit an undeniable mystique. Whether parked on the street or passing in a funeral procession, a hearse is a stunning piece of craftsmanship built to honor the dead. A hearse makes a statement, when people are often without words. Don’t miss the elaborate glass-paneled funeral carriage made in Germany in 1850; the 1916 Packard funeral bus, large enough to hold the coffin, pallbearers and up to 20 mourners; and the 1921 motorized hearse, with opulent, hand-carved wooden panels that typify the extravagance of craftsmanship among hearse manufacturers of the era. Marsellus Casket Company It’s Science. It’s Culture. It’s History. The National Museum of Funeral History is a Unique Attraction in Houston This unique exhibit displays 12 artfully sculpted coffins, each uniquely created to capture the essence of the departed—whether a character trait, an occupation, a symbol of one’s standing in the community or what they hope to achieve in the afterlife. These remarkable coffins vividly depict a KLM airliner, a Mercedes Benz, a fish, a canoe, a leopard, a chicken, a bull, a crab, an eagle, a lobster, a shallot and a Yamaha outboard motor. Brightly colored and intricately designed, these wooden coffins were crafted by Ghanaian sculptor Kane Quaye (also known as Seth Kane Kwe) in his homeland of Accra, Ghana, West Africa. The National Museum of Funeral History has the largest collection of fantasy coffins outside of Ghana, West Africa. View the history and fine craftsmanship of wood caskets by Marsellus Casket Company, founded in 1872 and regarded as the “Rolls Royce of caskets,” Marsellus Casket Company has a long history of making fine wood caskets including ones for notables such as Presidents Kennedy, Nixon, Truman and Reagan, Governor Nelson Rockefeller and sports legends Vince Lombardi and Mickey Mantle. On May 29, 2003, the last casket rolled off the line as the company went out of business – a model 710, “The President,” a mahogany casket polished to a high gloss and lined with pearl-colored velvet. The National Museum of Funeral History became its proud owner and is proud to display the company’s exceptionally fine workmanship. Let the Good Times Roll: Registration Now Open for NFDA Convention BROOKFIELD, WI— The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is thrilled to announce that registration is now open for the 2024 International Convention & Expo, taking place October 2023 at the Maritz Global Events in New Orleans, LA. As the premier event in funeral service, the NFDA Convention always offers an unforgettable experience for thousands of professionals, suppliers and experts converging from around the globe. Attendees can expect a dynamic mix of cutting-edge educational sessions, an expansive expo featuring the latest innovations and unparalleled networking opportunities – all set against the vibrant cultural backdrop of New Orleans. The NFDA Convention keynote speakers will illuminate critical issues and ignite attendees’ professional and personal journeys. The general session will open with Visual Intelligence and the Art of Perception presented by Amy Herman, author, lawyer and art historian. In today’s fast-paced world, we often rely too heavily on assumptions and overlook critical details. Using art, Herman will help attendees sharpen their observations, uncover hidden biases and enhance their communication skills. This highly interactive session promises to refresh attendees’ critical inquiry and leadership skills, making them more effective in their professional and personal interactions. The closing general session will feature Jason Arday, public speaker and professor at the University of Cambridge presenting You Can’t Start a Fire Without a Spark: Finding Hope and Inspiration. Professor Arday is a social commentator, presenter and public speaker, but at three years old, he was diagnosed with global development delay and autism spectrum disorder. He did not speak until he was 11 years old and could not read or write until he was 18. Overcoming these profound early-life challenges, Arday went on to become a trailblazing professor at the University of Cambridge. His journey is a testament to finding inspiration in unexpected places. His session, which is sponsored by Carriage, will explore how to harness resilience and motivation, providing invaluable insights that can be applied in one’s life and career. It can be challenging to stay on top of continually evolving consumer preferences, increasingly complex economic realities, and challenges recruiting and retaining quality staff. To help people stay ahead of the curve, NFDA has brought together the best experts to lead more than 30 engaging education sessions covering embalming and restorative art, compliance and legal, consumer care, business operations, disposition, innovation and technology, marketing and more. In addition to education sessions, NFDA will offer five pre-convention seminars. These intensive workshops, designed to provide deep dives into specialized topics, will give attendees actionable knowledge and skills. The NFDA Expo Hall is open October 21-23, providing ample time to explore and connect with more than 350 exhibitors. From innovative technology solutions to unique memorial products, the Expo offers a comprehensive look at the tools and services shaping the future of funeral service. During the opening general session on October 21, NFDA will announce the winner of the 2024 Innovation Award. Established in 2009, the NFDA Innovation Award, which is sponsored by ASD–Answering Service for Directors, recognizes and promotes creativity, innovation and excellence among funeral service suppliers and vendors. Convention attendees can check out the Innovation Award winner, along with the runners-up and finalists, in the Expo Hall. From the welcome party at Mardi Gras World to the funeral professionals young at Heart Party, there are countless opportunities to network, celebrate, and experience the essence of New Orleans. All funeral directors licensed in the United States or Canada are invited to apply for scholarships are invited to apply for scholarships to attend the NFDA Convention. The Funeral Service Foundation will award up to 20 scholarships, each valued at up to $2,200, that cover registration fees, three nights’ lodging and up to $500 in travel reimbursement. Attendees must apply online at FuneralServiceFoundation. org by 11:59 pm CT on July 24. The latest information, including information on how to register and make hotel reservations, is available at NFDA.org/ Convention or by calling 800-228-6332. this emotionally intensive and increasingly stressful field. Working from different areas of expertise, Murphy and Pelchat will guide participants in taking steps toward self-empowerment in their mental health journeys personally and professionally. Attendees will learn and practice evidence-based therapeutic tools for improving mental health outcomes on Wednesday, September 11. CANA sends thanks to the Evans family, Velma Kelly, the Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller, and the Blues Brothers for making Chicago such a quotable and notable experience! Founded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is an international organization of over 3,700 members, composed of funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, industry suppliers, and consultants. CANA members believe that cremation is preparation for memorialization. Visit cremationassociation.org/CANA24 to learn more. CANA’s Cremation Innovation Convention Continued from Page A27
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Nzg4MQ==