It all started back in 1996 when John Herzig's hobby was collecting autographs. John had requested the autographed photo of legendary boxer Joe Louis and received a package containing MORE than just the photograph – it contained the program from the fighter's 1981 funeral ceremony. That event sparked John's interest in famous funerals, and began his collection, currently over 2,500 artifacts and pieces; considered the largest known collection of its kind!
Some of the more unique items include: folders, photos and related documents from the deaths of presidents: Calvin Coolidge, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Harry S. Truman, James Garfield, Woodrow Wilson, William McKinley, Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan and politicians and world leaders and influencers: Martin Luther King, Governor George Wallace, Sir Winston Churchill, Barry Goldwater, Robert F. Kennedy, Queen Victoria, Princess Diana, and the Duke of Windsor, celebrities: Michael Jackson, Don Knotts, Mel Torme, Ed Bradley, Charles Schulz, George Burns, Carroll O'Connor, Perry Como, Phil Hartman, Liberace, Joan Crawford, Rodney Dangerfield, Farrah Fawcett, Henry Fonda, Evel Knievel , Fred Rogers, Dave Thomas and John Belushi, and from the world of sports: Joe Louis, Tom Landry, Jesse Owens, Roger Maris, Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, Wilt Chamberlain, Knute Rockne, Pat Tillman, Bob Feller, Vince Lombardi, Satchell Paige, John Unitas and Harry Caray.
Of course this list just scratches the surface.
The collection also includes audio recordings and photographs from famous funerals as well as celebrity gravesite markers and monuments visited personally by Herzig.
The museum is open to the public during normal office hours (Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.). There is no admission fee.
If your group needs a speaker, you can hear the stories behind the collection and how each life was celebrated. Every piece of memorabilia has it's own unique story behind it. Give us a call at 330-343-6132 and we can schedule a presentation or a tour of the museum led by John.
You can also get a daily update from the museum on facebook! Just "Like" our page!
Be sure to visit our Famous Endings Blog for the latest additions to the Museum, upcoming events, and more!
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