Unburied: Death and Mourning in the Archives

The exhibit is open Oct. 12, 2026 through Jan. 29, 2027, weekdays only. Check the exhibit line up on our calendar for hours and details, and register for the exhibit reception on Oct. 20. 

The realities of death are often hidden in America. Death frequently happens in hospitals or nursing homes, places where the bodies are swiftly removed. As 24/7 news streaming and genres like true crime become more popular than ever, death is increasingly experienced at a remove, distanced from our own lives and packaged as entertainment. Despite this, it remains an end, or a journey, we all must face.

Historically, death was ever-present. Death happened at home, where families stood vigil, cared for the bodies of their friends and family, and performed funeral rituals. From burial and mourning practices across communities and cultures, to popular conceptions of death in folklore and literature, the archives teach us not only how our ancestors lived their lives, but also how they understood death. There is never a perfect time to talk about tragedy and death, but knowing that this is something all of our ancestors faced may make us feel less alone. Maybe it actually is a perfect time to learn from them.

This exhibit is curated by Aiden Bettine (Tretter Collection in GLBT Studies), Kate Dietrick (Upper Midwest Jewish Archives), Caitlin Marineau (Children’s Literature Research Collections), and Erin McBrien (Sherlock Holmes Collection and Upper Midwest Literary Archives), showcasing materials from across the University of Minnesota Libraries’ Archives and Special Collections, and beyond. Exhibit art direction and design by Darren Terpstra.

Content notice: This exhibit contains material concerning death and dying, including images of the deceased.