August 2018

Page A38 AUGUST 2018 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS S ec t i on A The National Museum of Funeral History Houston, Texas Museum Corner The National Museum of Funeral History, located in Houston, Texas, houses the country’s largest collection of funeral service artifacts and features renowned exhibits on one of man’s oldest cultural customs. It belongs to YOU and everyone in the funeral industry. Visitors can discover the mourning rituals of ancient civilizations, see up-close au- thentic items used in the funerals of US Presidents and Popes and ex- plore the rich heritage of the industry which cares for the dead. The museum is located at 415 Barren Springs Drive, Houston, TX 77090 and is open Monday-Friday from 10am-4pm, Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sunday from 12pm-5pm. Admission is $10 for adults and children age 12 and older, $9 for seniors and vet- erans; $7 for children 6-11 years old; and free for children age 5 and younger. For more information, visit www.nmfh.org , “like” the museum on Facebook or call 281-876-3063. www.nomispublications.com Funeral Home & Cemetery News Contributors share insights and exchange ideas. B logs Special Exhibit, A Tribute to Roy Rogers, on display until December 31, 2018 Nudie place a silver saddle between the bucket seats, decorat- ed with rhinestones and 150 silver dollars on the black leather around the saddle seat. On the back of the front seats are two pistols and holsters and belts with bullets in case rustlers show up unexpectedly. That’s a lot of bling. President of the National Museum of Funeral History Gen- evieve Keeney stated, “Those who love all things Western-its history, music, movies, television shows and especially cow- boys who inspired us, will love this exhibit.” National Museum of Funeral History The History of Cremation Exhibit to open Fall 2018 This exhibit blends the history, modern science and memo- rialization possibilities for a hugely popular—let largely mis- understood—industry. Created in partnership with Crema- tion Association of North America (CANA), the exhibit will feature artifacts and interactive components to showcase cre- mation through the ages. Why is the History of Cremation Exhibit so important? The answer, says Barbara Kemmis , Executive Director of CANA, is that American consumers’ preferences and tradi- tions have changed. “Consumers are choosing cremation without knowing how it happens,” Kemmis said. “But it’s important they know that it’s methodical, well controlled and that it’s no longer an open pyre. There’s real science to cremation, including how we minimize emissions—these are things people are concerned about that they don’t fully understand.” But it’s not simply about educating the public, Kemmis says. The exhibit will demystify cremation for funeral service professionals as well. exhibit is the 1963 Pontiac Bonneville convertible, the ultimate statement of cow- boy chic, once owned by Roy Rogers. Nudie Cohn designed this “you have to see it to believe it” automobile and gave the car to Roy Rogers as a token of their friendship. Nudie, cal cremation items to the exhibit. “I have studied cremation’s history since I was 12 years old,” says Engler, who is also a funeral director. “I’ve col- lected artifacts, historical booklets from crematories, and antique urns.” Joining CANA put Engler in the position of sharing his historical knowledge and memorabilia on a larger stage. That’s how the History of Cremation originated. How to Donate to the History of Cremation Exhibit Financial or artifact contributions are what make the History of Cremation Exhibit possible. Contact Gene- vieve Keeney, NMFH President at gkeeneyg@yahoo.com or 832-419-3705. If you’d like to donate a historical cre- mation item to the History of Cremation Exhibit collec- tion, contact Jason Engler, CANAHistorian at cremation- historian@hotmail.com or 479-381-4424. known as “Nudie the Rodeo Tailor,” designed and made fabulous embroidered western wear with rhinestones for TV and motion picture personalities. Roy Rogers’ person- al Nudie’s outfit is also featured in the exhibit. The interior of “Roy’s Bonneville” is lined with hand- tooled leather. The top of the dash is encrusted with 150 silver dollars. To accommodate an extra front-seat rider, What can you expect? The driving force behind the History of Cremation Exhibit is Jason Engler , CANA’s official historian. Engler donated approximately 90 percent of his personal collection of histori- If you have not visited the Museum this year, giddy up and get there! The exhibit will be on display through De- cember 31, 2018. The Museum honors the memory of Roy Rogers, “America’s Favorite Cowboy,” renowned singing star of ra- dio, television and film. The highlight of this new special (L to R) Genevieve Keeney, Barbara Kemmis and Jason Engler Jason Engler gives a tour of the Exhibit. The Fan Man, Inc. Fans Calendars Urns Register Books Dresses Advertising Specialties John Mannion “WhatEver You Need” 1-800-671-8280 Cell: 803-417-2940 Thefanman@comporium.net bankersadvertising.com/thefanman News Association ContinueD O hio F uneral D irectors A ssociation 138 th A nnual C onvention & E xhibition M ay 22-24, 2018 • H ilton C olumbus at E aston , C olumbus , OH Photos by Elizabeth Roberts, Roberts & Downey Chapel Equipment, Argenta, IL MORE PHOTOS on NEXT Page