Minneapolis Library Exhibit Explores Death and Mourning
The Elmer L. Andersen Library is currently hosting a new historical exhibit detailing the evolution of mortuary science.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Historical
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The Elmer L. Andersen Library in Minneapolis has opened a new exhibit titled Unburied: Death and Mourning in the Archives. This display explores various historical practices regarding death and mourning through materials sourced from university archives.
Why it matters
The exhibit highlights the cultural and professional evolution of mourning practices through rare artifacts and documents. It provides a unique window into the history of an academic discipline that has shaped societal approaches to end-of-life care.
The display features a 1925 supply catalog showing morgue tables and a 1958 pamphlet commemorating the 50th anniversary of the mortuary science department. These materials trace the discipline from its 1908 origins to the 1968 introduction of a bachelor degree.
The players
Elmer L. Andersen Library
This facility at the University of Minnesota serves as the home for many of the institution's specialized archival collections and research materials.
University of Minnesota Program of Mortuary Science
This academic department is dedicated to the study of funeral services and was established as the School of Embalming over a century ago.
The details
Curators from across the University of Minnesota collaborated to select historical materials that offer a thematic exploration of death. The collection includes diverse items, such as an unpublished pencil sketch from the Gustaf Tenggren papers depicting a scene from a Guy de Maupassant story.
Timeline
The mortuary science program began in 1908 as the School of Embalming.
A supply catalog for morgue tables was published in 1925.
A pamphlet celebrating the department's 50th anniversary was released in 1958.
The program began offering a Bachelor of Science degree in 1968.
The exhibit remains open to visitors until Jan. 29.
Culture Shift
This exhibit reflects a growing societal interest in re-evaluating historical death and mourning traditions through academic lenses. It challenges the taboo surrounding mortality by placing professional evolution alongside personal reflection and historical documentation.
Residents can visit the library in person to view these historical documents before the exhibit concludes in January. The display offers an educational opportunity for those interested in the evolution of academic and funeral practices in the region.
The takeaway
Understanding the history of death and mourning provides insight into the values and professional standards of previous generations. This exhibit invites viewers to engage with archival materials that transform abstract history into a tangible narrative.
Further reading
Discover more about local heritage by visiting the Minneapolis Historical section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Minnesota Daily.
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