The Association was founded in 1917 as National Selected Morticians (NSM) when a group of forward-thinking funeral professionals met to discuss a shared vision of mutual cooperation and the future of funeral service. National Selected Morticians took an early leadership position in embalming research, developed around breaking educational programs and represented the interests of independent funeral directors in federal regulatory hearings.
In 1965, a definitive example of the association’s concern for service in the public interest emerged with the creation of its Code of Good Funeral Practice—the first of its kind in the profession.
In the year 2000 the members of National Selected Morticians voted to change the association’s name to more clearly communicate its hallmarks.
Today Selected Independent Funeral Homes helps its members distinguish themselves in communities throughout the world. Membership is by invitation only and is extended to worthy funeral homes after careful evaluation of their character, professional ability and reputation.
Our mission is to deliver innovative and pertinent resources, solutions and ongoing support necessary for enduring excellence to our independently owned death-care providers who aspire to be the very best in their profession. We serve as a resource for support for our members in achieving the best practice performance and recognized leadership in service to families. Selected Independent Funeral Homes offers many distinct advantages and benefits to its growing membership. While remaining faithful to its founding principles and it’s one hundred year tradition, the association is constantly evaluating new and exciting ways to better serve its members today.
