Fact Sheet The New York State Funeral Directors Association (NYSFDA) is the oldest association of funeral directors in the United States. The original organization was founded in 1889; in 1933 it assumed its current name. Just under 900 funeral homes operating in New York State belong to NYSFDA. Headquarters are in Albany, New York. NYSFDA membership is open to any funeral firm and its owners and employees who are licensed by the State of New York to offer funeral services. NYSFDA members receive updated industry information and compliance materials, and a monthly newsletter. Educational programs include mandatory annual OSHA training, an annual convention and tradeshow, seminars and regional meetings. NYSFDA members are eligible to participate in PrePlan , the industry leader for preneed trust fund management that offers complete security and flexibility for both consumers and funeral directors. NYSFDA publishes the Funeral Consumers Information series, a collection of brochures written to educate consumers about end-of-life issues: Preplanning, Prefunding a Funeral, Personal and Financial Affairs Checklist for End-of-Life Planning, When a Death Occurs and Transitions: A Consumer Guide as well as a quarterly newspaper column. The Association maintains a website at www.nysfda.org which posts information for the general public and the funeral industry.