The National Museum of Funeral History

Today marks 16 years since the National Museum of Funeral History opened its doors to the public. Even if you're not familiar with the museum, you may be familiar with the museum's motto, "Any day above ground is a good one." The motto was used (in a slightly altered form) in the advertising for the fourth season of HBO's "Six Feet Under." A framed Six Feet Under poster (as pictured above) with the motto decorates my office wall.

The museum displays instruments and practices of the mortuary and funerary trade throughout history. The exhibits span from Egyptian embalming through modern mortuary science. The hearses on display vary from horse-drawn carriages to the Mercedes used to transport the body of Grace Kelly following her fatal automobile collision.

The museum houses a number of unusual and unique caskets and coffins in its collection. It also features a number of historically significant items besides Grace Kelly's hearse.

Pay a visit to the National Museum of Funeral History and have a good day above ground.

-Tom G