Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez turned a childhood curiosity about death into a lifelong mission of education and advocacy.

Her journey began with an early fascination with mortality at age seven and led to her role as president and CEO of the National Museum of Funeral History. Shaped by personal loss and her experiences in military medicine and funeral services, she promotes open dialogue and cultural respect surrounding end-of-life rituals.

Through her leadership, she transforms grief into empowerment and education for thousands of people each year. This story is part one of a two-part interview in which Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez was a guest of Ashley Gould's on her podcast, On the Table with Ashley.

Plan your visit to the museum today at nmfh.org and take a journey through over 30,000 square feet of fascinating history.

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Key Takeaways

1. Genevieve and Ashley discuss how society often avoids talking openly about death, even though it is inevitable. Both share personal experiences with loss, emphasizing that talking about death and preparing for it—whether through conversations about wishes or understanding options—can provide significant peace and clarity to families. Open dialogue helps ensure that loved ones are honored according to their own wishes, not merely default traditions.

2. The conversation delves into how rituals and cultural practices shape how we approach death. Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez shares stories about family cremation preferences, memorial objects, and how personal items or actions (like distributing Neccos candies at a funeral) can become powerful vessels for memory and grief processing. This highlights how diverse, meaningful rituals can help mourners feel connected and supported.

3. Through Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez’s background as an Army medic, nurse, and funeral director, the theme of professional responsibility and respect for the dead emerges strongly. She discusses developing standard procedures, advocating for cultural and personal rights of the deceased and their families, and the fulfillment found in supporting others through loss. The focus is on treating death with dignity, cultural sensitivity, and attention to detail.

4. The transcript explores the museum’s founding, its expansion, and its mission: preserving and educating the public about funeral history, practices, and death’s role in human culture. The museum acts as a bridge, helping demystify death, honoring the industry's legacy, and fostering healthy conversations about our own mortality.

5. A moving discussion centers on the psychological aspects of grief, especially how sensory experiences—like smells or cherished objects—help us process loss and keep memories alive. These small details can anchor us, offer comfort, and carry the essence of our relationships forward.

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