FUNERAL PROGRAMS COLLECTION
ABOUT THE COLLECTION

Funeral programs are invaluable historical documents that offer rich insights into our ancestors’ lives. They often include biographical information, family connections, dates, and locations, and serve as a unique record of an individual’s life. The programs contained in the Funeral Programs Collection, typically created at the time of death, preserve crucial data cherished by genealogists and family researchers, enhancing their understanding of personal histories.
This collection aims to provide accessible resources for individuals researching their genealogy and family history. It includes online access to digitized images from funeral programs, obituary details, and burial locations. The project is ongoing, with programs organized alphabetically by the deceased’s name to help researchers easily find relevant information.
Funeral programs also offer insight into the makeup of a community and reflect broader historical patterns. By preserving the lives of individuals who may not be documented in other public records, these programs help create a more comprehensive historical narrative.
The online collection currently includes over 1,000 funeral programs donated by residents of Memphis, Shelby County, and surrounding areas, with significant contributions by Rosalind Withers from the Ernest Withers Museum and Archives, and Teresa Mays, President of the Afro-American Genealogy Society of Memphis and the Midsouth.
We invite the Shelby County community to help us expand this collection by donating both physical and digital materials related to local history. Your donations will help preserve the stories and experiences of Shelby County residents for future generations.
How to Donate
To donate materials or learn more about contributing to the Memphis and Shelby County Room’s permanent collection, please contact us:
• Phone: (901) 415-2742
• Email: Hisref@memphistn.gov
We look forward to incorporating your valuable stories and memories into our growing collection. Thank you for exploring this important resource and for your continued contributions to preserving Shelby County’s rich history.
To begin your exploration into the archive, visit the Collection Homepage to view by name, funeral home, or cemetery, or click below to browse the entire collection.