The Iowa Funeral Museum was founded in 2017, and is located in the former Casey’s on Iowa Avenue West in Marshalltown, next to the Mitchell Family Funeral Home.
The purpose of the museum is very simple- to tell the story of funeral service honestly and transparently. The history of what funeral service has practiced from ancient times until most modern. The Iowa Funeral Museum is dedicated to those in funeral service- the men and women licensed for mortuary science, the cemetery staff, the florists, the newspaper writers, the monument companies, the clergy, the church staff, the very heart and soul of those providing care to those who grieve. Also, to their families- the spouses and children who had death intervene during family dinners, holidays and school events.
When people visit, we hope the questions arise relating to things that might challenge a person’s thoughts. Some topics come up regarding grandparents laid out in their caskets in the home to terms we use today related directly to our profession. We love questions!
There are several displays including glass caskets, Iowa made caskets, presidential funerals, ancient mummy wrappings from Egypt and mourning items from years past. Several pieces are one of a kind.
