Founded by the late funeral director Robert Waltrip in 1992, The National Museum of Funeral History houses the history of the evolution of funeral practices, museum president Genevieve Keeney said.

The latest buzz at the museum involves its most recent addition—the Shroud of Turin, known to the Catholic community as the cloth Jesus Christ was buried in and was found with an imprint of his image when he was resurrected.

Zooming in

The Shroud's image is believed to have been created by the light of the resurrection, and its authenticity remains a topic of debate, Keeney said.

Acquired through Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of the Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, the artifact is one of seven certified copies of the original Shroud of Turin, Keeney said. The copies were made to research the authenticity of the resurrection story.
The Shroud of Turin is represented in various forms to enhance the image for viewers. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
The Shroud of Turin is represented in various forms to enhance the image for viewers. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
“[The Shroud] was something that was a big thing back in 1978, and then it was proven to be not accurate, and it kind of fell into the underground for a long time,” Keeney said. “And then I think COVID-19 brought it back to the forefront. There's a new wave of scientists, archeologists and writers now that are interested in it.”


Keeney said during the COVID-19 pandemic, officials were able to replicate the Shroud. To showcase its significance, Keeney said the museum will hold an exhibit in April featuring an artistic interpretation.

The exhibit will include art pieces of the Shroud from different time periods and will allow attendees to learn and draw their own conclusions.

The history

Led by Keeney, a funeral director and embalmer who joined the museum in 2006, The National Museum of Funeral History showcases exhibits dating back to the earliest recorded history of burials.
The Post-Mortem Photography wall features photos of the deceased, a funeral practice used amongst American and European cultures. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
The Post-Mortem Photography wall features photos of the deceased. Photographing family members at the time of their death was a funeral practice used in American and European cultures in the 19th century. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
“[Funeral artifacts] tell how we have evolved and how we've been caring for our dead for hundreds of years. And so [Waltrip] felt it was important to capture, maintain and showcase the history of our industry,” Keeney said.


Starting with the Egyptians to highlight the Victorian period, the museum showcases funeral traditions and cultures such as Dia De Los Muertos, and Latin American, Japanese and West African cultures.
The National Museum of Funeral History's latest artifacts come from the Egyptian funeral practices. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
The National Museum of Funeral History's latest artifacts come from Egyptian funeral practices. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
Keeney said the History of Cremations is the most visited exhibit in the museum as it is the top burial method used in funeral practices today.

“I think it's because a lot of people are curious about it, and it's an exhibit that's forever green. People will always utilize that exhibit as an educational resource for perhaps their own choices,” Keeney said.