What year was the National Funeral Directors Association established?

The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) was established in 1882, making it one of the oldest professional organizations for funeral service practitioners in the United States. Its foundational purpose was to promote professionalism within the funeral industry, support funeral service workers, and advocate for the needs of consumers. This organization's long history reflects its commitment to improving standards and practices within the profession, providing resources and education to its members, and adapting to the evolving landscape of funeral service over the decades. Understanding this timeline is important for students in funeral service education because it emphasizes the longstanding tradition and importance of professionalism in serving families during their times of grief.