Connect @ The Learning Commons

Come to the Library to learn more about the history of Funeral Services!

The Funeral Services Program was launched fall quarter 2009, with Jack Norvell serving as program director. Classes are already underway and more are on their way in the quarters ahead.

Funeral Services Program director, Jack Norvell, provided the library with some fascinating materials from the historic and distinguished career of funeral service directors, and among the items exhibited in the library display case on the ground floor are:

• Frock coat, beaver fur top hat, and white gloves worn by undertakers – Mid to late 1800s
• Child’s wicker removal basket – Late 1800s-early 1900s
• Small wood coffin with graining pattern painted on the wood
• “Cooling Board” used for embalming at home
• Veil used to cover the casket before air conditioning and to keep flies off a deceased person lying in a coffin or casket
• Coffin hardware known as “coffin furniture” would be attached to the coffin – 18th-early 20th century

Also featured in the display case are a variety of print, media materials, and periodicals related to the Funeral Services Program that address topics such as caring for the dead, embalming, talking with children about death, planning your own funeral, and much more. All of the library materials on exhibit in the display case are available for check out. Please contact a library staff member if you have any questions or would like to check out one of the awesome books on display!