The White River Valley Museum explores the historic transition of death responsibilities with the exhibit “DEAD: Unearthing the Shift in Funerary Practices from Home to Mortuary,” on display through Sunday.

Working with a collection of objects ranging from earthen jugs for embalming fluids to black satin “slumber beds” for home viewing, the exhibit takes an ever-so-slightly campy — yet deadly serious — look at the Victorian process of death and dying.

In decades past, when an ill loved one was nearing the end of life they did so at home surrounded by family and close friends. When death finally occurred, these relations gathered to wash and prepare the body for burial. The body was then displayed in the home for viewing and guests would visit to pay their final respects to the deceased.

Over time, our country’s middle class expanded and with that growth came a shift in religious practices and the development of new social institutions. Today, the majority of responsibilities following a death that previously fell to family members now rest with hospitals and mortuaries.

“DEAD” is sponsored by Mountain View Cemetery in Auburn. Louise Hull, professor of sociology at Green River Community College, is the exhibit’s guest scholar. Many of the artifacts for “DEAD” are on loan from Jerry and Ronda Kayser of Kayser’s Chapel and Crematory in Moses Lake, WA.

About the museum

The White River Valley Museum is a partnership with the City of Auburn and combines history and culture to create an exciting and educational experience for visitors. Museum collections focus on Puget Sound history, Northwest Indian culture, Japanese immigration and the Northern Pacific Railway.

The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. and is located at 918 H St. SE in Auburn. Regular admission is $2 adults, $1 seniors and children. Admission is free on Wednesdays and the fourth Sunday of the month. Call 253-288-7433 or visit www.wrvmuseum.org for event information.