Patron-accessible memorialization structures

A memorialization niche for installation on a front surface of a memorialization structure, wherein the front surface is arranged in a first plane, the memorialization niche comprising:

• a first niche surface configured to contact and couple to the front surface of the memorialization structure;
• a second niche surface, opposite the first niche surface, defining an opening, wherein the second niche surface is arranged in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane;
• a recess extending a distance between the first plane and the second plane to communicate with the opening, wherein the recess is configured to retain therein a plurality of objects consisting of at least one personal object and bodily remains, and
• a lock configured to secure a door in a closed position enclosing the recess, the lock being configured to be selectively locked and unlocked via a secure access locking mechanism to permit restricted patron access to the recess post-entombment or post-burial of human bodily remains associated with the memorialization niche;
• wherein the memorialization structure is selected from a grave stone, a grave marker, a crypt, a mausoleum, a columbarium, a burial vault, and a cremation niche.

A method of manufacturing a memorialization niche for installation on a front surface of a memorialization structure, wherein the front surface is arranged in a first plane, the method comprising:

• providing a first niche surface configured to contact and couple to the front surface of the memorialization structure;
• providing a second niche surface, opposite the first niche surface, defining an opening, wherein the second niche surface is arranged in a second plane parallel to the first plane;
• providing a recess extending a distance between the first plane and the second plane to communicate with the opening, wherein the recess is configured to retain a plurality of objects consisting of at least one personal object and bodily remains;
• and
• installing a lock on a door, the lock configured to secure the door in a closed position enclosing the recess, the lock being configured to be selectively locked and unlocked via a secure access locking mechanism to permit restricted patron access to the recess post-entombment or post-burial of human bodily remains associated with the memorialization niche;
• wherein the memorialization structure is selected from a grave stone, a grave marker, a crypt, a mausoleum, a columbarium, a burial vault, and a cremation niche.