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Go Take a Stroll Through These Six Historic Cemeteries Around Philadelphia
Theyâre grassy, shady, pretty â and lots of famous people are buried in them. Time for an educational graveyard day trip!
Get a compelling long read and must-have lifestyle tips in your inbox every Sunday morning â great with coffee!
Laurel Hill Cemetery, one of several historic cemeteries in Philly that are worth a visit. Photograph by R. Kennedy for GPTMC via Visit Philadelphia
Back when my kids were small and we lived in South Philly, my dad used to come in from the âburbs once a week and take them off my hands for a couple of hours. He would have taken them to a playground, but the only one near us was covered in concrete and strewn with broken glass. So instead, heâd wheel them in the stroller to the cemetery at Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Trinity at 18th and Wolf, where at least there was grass. Today, graveyards are still natural refuges filled with stately trees, verdant lawns and wildflowers. (Best not to think too much on whatâs fertilized them.) Here are six famous local cemeteries where you can smell clean air, soak in the sun, enjoy the shade , and even learn a bit of history.
Christ Church Burial Ground
5th and Arch streets, Old City
Christ Church Burial Grounds in Old City. Photograph by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
This Episcopal church at 20 North American Street, founded in 1695 by William Pennâs charter, buried its dead on its grounds before establishing this two-acre cemetery in 1719. Man, thatâs old. More than 4,000 early Philadelphians are buried here, including multiple signers of the Declaration of Independence and star residents Ben Franklin and his common-law wife Deborah . The current church, built between 1727 and 1744, was for nearly six decades the tallest building in what became the United States. Its baptismal font, sent here from England, is the one Penn was baptized in. Thereâs a very slight fee for entrance to the burial ground; tours are available for a few dollars more.
Famous residents: Colonial physician Benjamin Rush ; âFather of Modern Surgeryâ Philip Syng Physick ; Philadelphia Zoo founder William Camac ; Civil War Major General George Cadwalader ; âOld Ironsidesâ commander Commodore William Bainbridge ⊠Geez, so many people with the same names as streets!
Donât miss: In the original churchyard, Revolution financier Robert Morris and âPhiladelphia Lawyerâ prototype Andrew Hamilton , among others.
- Laurel Hill Cemetery
3822 Ridge Avenue, Fairmount Park
Laurel Hill Cemetery, one of many historic Philadelphia cemeteries | Photo via Creative Commons
Laurel Hill was founded in the 1830s after one of the cityâs prominent Quakers, John Jay Smith, couldnât find space to bury a beloved daughter in his meetinghouseâs crowded Cherry Street cemetery. Unaffiliated with any religion and located on a hillside above the Schuylkill â the river, not the not-yet-born Expressway â it was in the vanguard of a new sort of graveyard, intended to offer peaceful respite from the urban press. Scottish architect John Notman conceived of the design as a sort of âestate gardenâ intended for hanging out, with winding paths, scenic vistas, and plentiful landscaping. Steamboats used to ply the river filled with city dwellers coming to Laurel Hill to bask in nature, picnic, and enjoy carriage rides.
Famous residents: They got your Biddles, your Bouviers, your Furnesses, your Leas, Whartons, Wideners, Wisters âŠ
Donât miss: The mighty mausoleums along Millionairesâ Row; sculptures by City Hallâs William Penn statue sculpture Alexander Milne Calder ; the headstone for fictional Rocky spouse Adrian Balboa .
Eden Cemetery
1434 Springfield Road, Darby
Octavius Cattoâs headstone in Eden Cemetery | Photo via Creative Commons
The oldest existing Black-owned cemetery in the nation, Eden was opened in 1902 as Philadelphiaâs answer to a burial crisis in Philadelphiaâs Black community created by âsegregation, urban expansion, public works projects, vandalism, condemnation, and the closure of earlier Black burial grounds and cemeteries.â At the time, the opening of the burial ground was contentious, as racist white Collingsdale residents blocked the entrance in protest of the addition of a âa colored burial groundâ to the area. Nonetheless, the first burial took place two days later, and the 53-acre property now serves as a final resting place for more than 90,000 individuals. The cemetery is also now on the National Register of Historic Places and is part of the Pennsylvania Hallowed Grounds Project and the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.
Famous residents: Abolitionist Octavius Valentine Catto ; Underground Railroad conductor (and author of The Underground Railroad Records ) William Still ; architect Julian Abele; opera singer Marian Anderson ; medical doctor Rebecca J. Cole; conductor James DePreist; poet and abolitionist Frances Harper; John Taylor, the first African American to win an Olympic gold medal, in 1908; and Henrietta Duterte, owner of a funeral home that was a stop on the Underground Railroad.
Donât miss: The GoFundMe organized by the cemetery to support its efforts to conserve and digitize its records.
Mount Moriah Cemetery
6201 Kingsessing Avenue, Southwest Philly
Mount Moriah Cemetery, one of Phillyâs historic cemeteries that was begun in the 1850s. Photograph by pwbaker/Flickr
This graveyard, the largest in Pennsylvania, straddles Cobbs Creek, with half in Yeadon and half in Philly. Begun in the 1850s, it was open to Christians, Jews and Muslims as well as African Americans and was accessible by streetcar. The last living member of its board died in 2004, and the cemetery closed in 2011, after the grounds had suffered years of neglect. A nonprofit Friends of Mount Moriah Cemetery organized to maintain the grounds and gravesites, and Orphans Court appointed a receivership, which is executing a renewal plan.
Famous residents: Flag seamstress Betsy Ross (though she was reinterred at her home in Old City in 1976); military fabulist Augustus Buell ; circus performer Richard Risley Carlisle ; the four Gale ballerinas , English sisters who burned to death in a tragic fire at the National Theater in 1861; musician John Whitehead , of McFadden and Whitehead (as in âAinât No Stoppinâ Us Nowâ).
Donât miss: What remains of the splendid gatehouse ; the thousands of graves of veterans in the Naval Plot and Soldiersâ Lot , a separate section of the cemetery maintained by the federal Department of Veterans Affairs.
Mikveh Israel Cemetery
822 Spruce Street, Washington Square West
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Jewish traders in North America flocked to Philadelphia as it grew to be the coloniesâ busiest city. One ex-New Yorker, Nathan Levy, arrived in town in 1737; just a year later, when his young child died, he bought a plot to establish the nationâs oldest Jewish burial ground. The series of synagogues eventually built nearby became the center of the cityâs Jewish life. In 1956, the site became part of Independence National Historic Park.
Famous residents : Founder Nathan Levy ; Revolutionary War spy and financier Haym Solomon ; brothers Simon and Hyman Gratz , at whose house Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft of the Declaration of Independence (Simon was one of the founders of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts); Jewish soldiers from the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 and the Civil War, including Phillip Moses Russell , commended by George Washington for his services at Valley Forge.
Donât miss: The grave of Rebecca Gratz , a philanthropist and great beauty said to have been the inspiration for the character of Rebecca, heroine of the Sir Walter Scott novel Ivanhoe .
The Woodlands
4000 Woodland Avenue, Southwest Philly
The Woodlands, one of Phillyâs historic cemeteries that originated as a private estate. Photograph by J. Fusco for GPTMC via Visit Philadelphia
This 54-acre oasis was once the estate of William Hamilton (1745-1813), a wealthy botanist who modeled its mansion and grounds on those he saw on a visit to England. After his death, a company of investors bought it and turned it into a cemetery. The winding paths are always full of walkers and joggers in good weather, and there are a number of State Champion trees at this National Historic Landmark District.
Famous residents: Husband-and-wife artists Thomas and Susan McDowell Eakins ; architect Paul Philippe Cret ; Campbell Soup founder Joseph Campbell ; abolitionist Mary Grew ; sculptor William Rush ; illustrator Jessie Willcox Smith ; surgeon Samuel David Gross (of The Gross Clinic Eakins painting); members of the Drexel and Biddle (and Drexel Biddle ) families.
Donât miss: The âcradle graves,â decorative mini-gardens atop plots that have been planted by present-day volunteers with flowers and shrubs popular in the Victorian era.
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A guide to historic cemeteries and graveyards in the Philadelphia region
Where to go to learn about the history behind Philadelphia's most well-known cemeteries and burial grounds.
Letâs face it: Cemeteries arenât the first place you think of for fun. But in reality, cemeteries are actually pretty lively places. Deceptively quiet, they speak volumes about the history, social mores, politics, and culture of their eras. They tell the stories of the wealthy and the wanting, scholars and scoundrels, patriots and the poverty-stricken.
For generations, cemeteries have been places for families to come together and for solo visitors to wander and enjoy a peaceful environment.
In Philadelphia, thereâs a wide range of burial grounds to explore. You can see the graves of famous people like Ben Franklin and Walt Whitman, take part in cleanup activities, attend themed performances, or go for long walks or runs in a peaceful space.
But, not all cemeteries in Philly announce themselves. âUp through the colonial era, many people were laid to rest in a burial ground owned by their church,â explains Adaeze Nwoko, an educator at Christ Church Burial Ground. âBut many people without means were put in mass graves â [known as] potterâs fields.â In this area, some of our favorite parks and public spaces, including Washington Square and Franklin Square, are former potterâs fields.
Other cemeteries that are now surrounded by bustling Philly neighborhoods were once surrounded by peaceful countryside. By the mid-19th century, as city space became tighter, burials were pushed out further from the heart of the city to undeveloped, more rural areas. Ironically, many of those âruralâ cemeteries are now in the middle of densely populated neighborhoods.
Stroll through a cemetery, and you can see how different eras imposed their aesthetics on peopleâs final resting places. The Victorian era laid the groundwork for modern burial practices, its fashionable swirls and flourishes easy to spot. Nobody loved an ornate flourish like the Victorians, and unlike the simpler headstones of the colonial era, graves at Laurel Hill along Kelly Drive and the Woodlands off of Baltimore Avenue are chockablock with elaborate embellishments and detailed symbolism.
âVictorians had a lot to say,â says Nancy Goldenberg, president and CEO of Laurel Hill Cemetery, which is renowned for its spectacular mausoleums and grave markers. âThey just preferred not to say it out loud. They used symbols â obelisks, wreaths, urns, anchors, and other icons â to say what they didnât speak.â
Crowds flocked to see the elaborate tombs and headstones, meeting up for Sunday picnics and to escape the chaos of city life. Others just wanted a quiet place to enjoy a peaceful walk and take in the lush horticulture.
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And, today, they still do.
Cemeteries are still community gathering spaces, home to self-guided and guided tours, concerts, family events, genealogical research, and other community activities. And while COVID-19 wreaked havoc on many scheduled events and indoor gatherings, activity at cemeteries has been booming.
âThroughout all of this, we had kids who were learning to ride bikes, we had runners, walkers, and people who just wanted a peaceful place to enjoy nature,â says Jessica Baumert, the Woodlandsâ executive director.
In other words, theyâre full of life. Here are some cemeteries in the region worth checking out:
Arlington Cemetery
Donât let the peaceful environment at Arlington Cemetery fool you, this place has a very dramatic past. Once owned by the abolitionist Garrett family, the former farmland was a stop on the Underground Railroad. Check out the cemetery office where you can learn about the familyâs abolitionist activities. Throughout the grounds, which are popular among local runners, bikers, and walkers, you can see a mausoleum that is a scale model of Jefferson âs Monticello and the graves of a former Miss America, a Titanic survivor, and numerous Medal of Honor recipients. GreenHorn Gardens has taken over the cemeteryâs unused greenhouse and hosts a farmers market and classes in sustainable farming. But youâll have to leave the pup at home: No dogs are allowed. The cemetery also hosts many events, from movie nights to 5K runs and Halloween activities.
đ 2900 State Rd., Drexel Hill , đ 610-259-5800, đ arlingtoncemetery.us , đ Daily, dawn-dusk, đ« Free
Christ Church Burial Ground
Yes, it is a popular tourist destination â it is Benjamin Franklinâs final resting place, after all â but Christ Church Burial Ground is also a must-see spot for locals. The burial ground packs enough 18th- and early-19th-century American history into its 2 acres to fill tomes. But skip the textbooks and opt for a guided tour. Youâll get the stories on the early American whoâs who that are buried here, including five signers of the Declaration of Independence, several pioneers of medicine, numerous Revolutionary and Civil War heroes, even the lone Jewish soldier who was carried there for an honorable burial. Self-guided tours are an option but the guided tours are much more fun and informative. For a guided tour, you should call ahead to confirm your spot. Finally, just give in and bring a penny to toss on Franklinâs grave â itâs how people honor the man who famously stated âa penny saved is a penny earned.â
đ Fifth and Arch Streets , đ 215-922-1695, đ christchurchphila.org , đ· @historicchristchurchandbg , đ Wed.-Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m., đ« $5 for guided or self-guided tours, children (12 and under), $2
Eden Cemetery
When the Collingdale community learned of the plan to develop Eden Cemetery â a Black cemetery â in 1902, the protests were loud and long, forcing the first burial to take place under cover of night. One of the nationâs oldest Black-owned cemeteries, Eden was originally created as a reinterment cemetery to give Black people, particularly those who had been cast into mass graves, a dignified final resting place.
âEden is really like a museum that just happens to be a cemetery,â says Craig Stutman, a history professor at Delaware Valley University and chair of the Toni Morrison Societyâs Bench by the Road Project . A memorial honoring the First Colored Troops is at the cemetery entrance, and Eden is home to a long list of notable folks from Black arts, culture, and business communities. Pick up a self-guided tour brochure at the office to find the graves of renowned opera singer Marian Anderson, abolitionist William Still, poet Frances Watkins Harper, and the Rev. Charles Tindley, who is credited with writing the song that was the basis for the anthem âWe Shall Overcome.â . Youâll also find grave markers and headstones honoring activist Octavius Catto and the members of the First African Baptist Church whose bodies were discovered during the construction of I-676 and reinterred here. Wear comfy shoes: Eden has sweeping hills which make for beautiful pictures and a good aerobic walk. Dogs arenât permitted. Call to schedule a guided tour or to do genealogical research.
đ 1434 Springfield Rd., Darby , đ 610-583-8737, đ edencemetery.org , đ Daily, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., đ« Free, donations encouraged
Harleigh Cemetery
On any given day, you might find a fellow poetry lover wandering Harleigh Cemeteryâs grounds. Established in 1885, the Camden cemetery is the final resting place for the celebrated poet Walt Whitman who spent his final years in a small home nearby. Whitman himself designed the familyâs granite mausoleum, which is notched into the hillside and surrounded by giant old trees, an ideal spot to sit and read from Leaves of Grass . The lakeside paths will lead you to another man of letters, the father of American haiku, poet Nick Virgilio. His grave marker is easy to spot: His poem Lily is carved into its face. Pick up a map to find their graves, as well as those of jazz drummer Charlie Rice, political activist Ella Reeve âMotherâ Bloor, and others. The office is closed to the public but if you call, theyâll bring a map to you.
đ 1640 Haddon Ave., Camden đ 856-963-3500, đ harleighcemetery.com , đ Daily, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., đ« Free
Laurel Hill Cemetery
Laurel Hill is picturesque: The hilltop setting overlooking the Schuylkill , the ornate Victorian-era headstones, the elaborate mausoleums that make up Millionaireâs Row, where many of Philadelphiaâs wealthy elite are entombed, and more than 620 species of trees (including several state champion trees), are great spots to photograph. âWhen John Smith created Laurel Hill in 1836, he advertised this as a place where the public could come to escape the city, breathe in the fresh air, have picnics, and enjoy the outdoors,â says Nancy Goldenberg, its president and CEO. âBasically, Laurel Hill is a precursor of public parks.â In keeping with Smithâs vision, Laurel Hill, which includes West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd, hosts a wide variety of activities including movie nights, concerts, and programs that range from the deeply serious to downright cheeky. The Hot Spots and Storied Plots tour will give you an overview of Laurel Hill while the Sinners and Scandals tour regales you with tales of some of the shadier folks who reside there. Laurel Hill keeps records of each of the more than 70,000 people buried on the premises. You can tour Laurel Hill on your own â fliers and maps are available at the office â or take one of the many themed guided tours.
đ 3822 Ridge Ave. , đ 215-228-8200, đ thelaurelhillcemetery.org , đ April-October, 7 a.m.-7 p.m., November-March, 7 a.m.-5 p.m., đ· @laurelhillcemetery , đ« Free for self-guided tours, prices vary for guided tours
Mikveh Israel Cemetery
Thereâs a lot of history behind the elaborate wrought-iron gates at the entrance to Mikveh Israel cemetery, the cityâs oldest Jewish cemetery. âDuring the 18th century, Philadelphia was one of the rare places in the world where Jews and Christians intermingled freely, socialized freely, and worked hand-in-hand on civic projects,â says historian and Benjamin Franklin reenactor Mitchell Kramer. Many early Jewish leaders are buried here. One of the best-known: Haym Salomon who not only helped fund the Revolution, but also provided interest-free personal loans to Washington, Jefferson, Madison, and others. You can also find the grave of Rebecca Gratz, the philanthropist who was the muse for the character in Ivanhoe , and also helped establish the first secular charity. Also here: The Gratz family, who helped create the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and Col. Benjamin Nones, who was the highest-ranking Jewish officer in the Continental Army and an ally of Thomas Jeffersonâs. Mikveh Israelâs walk-up tour program is on hiatus, but you can call and book a guided tour to get all the lesser-known stories.
đ 831 Spruce St. , đ 215-922-5446, đ mikvehisrael.org , đ visits and tours by appointment, đ« Free
Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church
Although Mother Bethel has been closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, keep it on your must-see list for the future. Built on the nationâs oldest Black-owned plot of land, Mother Bethel is not only the mother church for the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church, it is the final resting place for its founder, the Rev. Richard Allen and his wife, Sarah. According to church archivist Margaret Jerrido, Allen was originally buried in front of Mother Bethel but was reinterred at Eden Cemetery. Then, honoring the wishes of the Allen family, he and Sarah were moved back to their current location in the tombs on the churchâs lower level. Adjacent to the crypts, you can tour the small museum that houses artifacts including Allenâs personal bible, the wooden pulpit from which he preached, candlesticks from his home, and wooden pews from the churchâs second location. The church has not yet announced reopening dates, but check back as more pandemic restrictions lift.
đ419 S. Sixth St., đ 215-925-0616, đ motherbethel.org
Mount Moriah Cemetery
Bring your camera and lace up some sturdy shoes. With more than 200 acres of rolling, swirling hills, and a diversity of foliage that makes it a level-one arboretum, Mount Moriah makes for a stunning photo backdrop, as well as a challenging place for walks and bike rides. Most cemeteries are sculpted flat, but Mount Moriah covers a vast topography that spills over from Kingsessing into neighboring Yeadon. âPhiladelphia is a city of neighborhoods and Mount Moriah is a cemetery of neighborhoods,â says Bill Warwick, vice president of the board of directors. âWhere Laurel Hill catered to the wealthy, this was an everymanâs burial ground. And it was unusual in that it welcomed all religions and races.â Book a tour â they are free but donations are welcomed â and find out about the âis she/was she buried thereâ Betsy Ross drama. And participate in the cemeteryâs restoration at monthly cleanup and grass-cutting events held on the first Saturday of every month. Look for the annual Darksome Arts and Crafts Festival in October which benefits the restoration efforts.
đ 6201 Kingsessing Ave. , đ fommci.org , đ Fri.-Mon., 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., weekday tours by request, đ· @mountmoriahcemetery , đ« Donations encouraged
Mt. Sinai Cemetery
Philly shoppers from back in the day will recognize the names of the retail royalty buried at Mt. Sinai: the Gimbel family, the Lit brothers, the Snellenburgs, the Tellers of Bonwit Teller. Even Manny, Moe, and Jack of the Pep Boys. âWe are like a park in a densely populated neighborhood,â says Mitchell Kramer, historian and cemetery board member. âPeople come here to walk, run, or just look at the gardens. Weâre a low-key but essential neighborhood asset, especially during COVID when people needed to connect with nature.â Founded in 1856, Mt. Sinai is still an active cemetery, which means youâll see everything from simple grave markers carved with Yiddish and Old German script and the Frank Furness-designed mortuary to stylish mausoleums with Moorish and Egyptian design details and the new Tranquility Garden that has no grave markers at all. âOur mission here is to honor the past with an eye to the future,â says Kramer. Leashed dogs are permitted and cleanup bags are required. Call to book a guided tour of the cemetery or to access genealogical records.
đ 1901 Bridge St. , đ 215-886-8430, đ mtsinaicemetery.org , đ Daily, dawn-dusk, đ« Free
Washington Square
When William Penn created Washington Square (originally known as Southeast Square) in his city plan, he couldnât have foreseen its use as a public burial ground. And he certainly couldnât have imagined a tree would grow there from seeds that were once taken to the moon. During the 18th century, it was nicknamed Congo Square and was one of the few places where enslaved Black people could gather to celebrate their African music, dance, and culture. There was also a darker, bleaker side to the Square: It became a potterâs field where soldiers, sailors, convicts, and enslaved people were buried in mass graves. Even more dead were buried there during the 1793 yellow fever epidemic. While thousands of people lie beneath the manicured lawns, the only marked grave is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which was installed when the square was restored in 1956. As for the âmoon tree,â it has also, sadly, passed on.
đ 210 W. Washington Square , đ nps.gov , đ 24 hours, đ« Free
Washington Crossing Historic Park
At this historic Bucks County park, headstone after headstone reads âUnknown Soldier.â It isnât certain exactly how many Colonial soldiers are buried beneath the grounds by the Thompson-Neely House at Washington Crossing Park. âThe markers there are an approximation and representation of the number of bodies,â notes Gaetano Sava, park visitor services coordinator. âThere may be as many as 60 unknown Colonial soldiers buried on the grounds.â During their encampment at the house while plotting the famous Christmas Day attack on Trenton in 1776, Gen. George Washingtonâs troops suffered crushing losses from disease and bitter-cold temperatures. After youâve paid homage to the men who gave their lives in the cause of American independence, book a tour of the Thompson-Neely House and Gardens ($7). Then, cross the Delaware Canal path and hike or bike to heart of Washingtonâs Crossing Park to tour the historic village, enjoy a picnic, or tour Bowmanâs Hill Tower.
đ 1112 River Rd., Washington Crossing , đ 215-493-4076, đ washingtoncrossingpark.org , đ· @washingtoncrossingpark , đ Daily, dawn-dusk, đ« Free, select tours available for an additional cost
The Woodlands
One of the first things youâll notice at the Woodlands are the trees. So. Many. Trees. Prior to becoming a cemetery in 1840, the West Philly estate was owned by William Hamilton (and the mansion still stands tall in the middle of the cemetery), an accomplished amateur horticulturist who brought the first ginkgo trees to America. âWe have more than 1,000 trees here,â says Jessica Baumert, executive director of the Woodlands. âOur canopy is so dense, thermal readings have shown its impact on temperature and air quality extends to several surrounding blocks.â Utilize the Woodlandsâ Tree Finder online tool to help you identify each treeâs species. And where there are trees, there are birds, so bring your binoculars. New to birding? Pick up the Woodlands bird guide at the cemetery office then stroll through the brick-lined paths.
Beyond nature, youâll find some richly detailed headstones as well as the graves of notables such as artist Thomas Eakins, numerous members of the Drexel (as in Drexel University ) family, journalist Anne Hampton Brewster, and Paul Philippe Cret, who designed the Rodin Museum and parts of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. COVID-19 has affected some of the Woodlandsâ extensive programming, but there are still many family-oriented events, wellness programs, performances, gardening programs, and other activities on the books.
đ 4000 Woodland Ave. , đ 215-386-2181, đ woodlandsphila.org , đ· @woodlandsphila , đ Daily, dawn-dusk, đ« Free
» READ MORE: Live your best life in Philly: Read our most useful stories here
Expert sources
- Adaeze Nwoko , educator, Christ Church Burial Ground
- Nancy Goldenberg , president and CEO, Laurel Hill Cemetery
- Jessica Baumert , executive director, the Woodlands
- Margaret Jerrido , archivist at Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church
- Philly's Best
- Explore Philly
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16 historic and notable Philly cemeteries, mapped
There's more to these cemeteries than graveyards
Editor's note: This article was originally published in October 2016 and has since been updated with the most recent information. Molly Web contributed to this map.
Philly's own Benjamin Franklin once said, "Show me your cemeteries and I will tell you what kind of people you have." Based on those wise words, this city's people have been hard-working, patriotic, and regarded of utmost esteem for decades upon decades. Philadelphia is filled with certified historic cemeteries dating back to the late 1600s, where our founding fathers like Franklin himself have been laid to rest, and we've rounded up 16 of them right here. Some of them are neglected and downright spooky, while others have been beautifully maintained throughout history.
Did we miss a historic cemetery? Leave a comment or send us a tip and we'll add it to the list!
Christ Church Cemetery
No list of Philly cemetaries would be complete without the burial ground of Philly's forefather, Benjamin Franklin. Though he himself was not a Christian, he's buried in one of the city's most historic church cemeteries. Although for years visitors and tourists threw pennies on his grave in commemoration of his saying, "A penny saved is a penny earned," that tradition was put to halt after the grave began to crack . The good news is that his headstone has since been restored. Just keep your pennies to yourself.
- Open in Google Maps
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kristen Leigh Turner (@kleightgram) on Jan 4, 2017 at 8:18pm PST
Old Pine Cemetery
If you look closely at the gravestones in this cemetery, you'll notice bullet holes from when British soldiers took over the church and used the tombstones for target practice. The Old Pine Street Church itself was constructed in 1764, and is one of the oldest Presbyterian churches in Philly.
It also happens to have some of the most interesting grave markers. Take a stroll through and learn fascinating stories about peopleâs lives from hundreds of years ago.
Mount Moriah Cemetery
Mount Moriah Cemetery occupies a sprawling 200-some acres at the western edge of the city. While it technically closed in 2011, the group Friends of Mount Moriah Cemetery have been working for the past few years to restore the extensive cemetery , which is where Betsy Ross was originally laid to rest.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mount Moriah Cemetery (@mountmoriahcemetery) on Sep 29, 2018 at 8:57pm PDT
Laurel Hill Cemetery
Much like Mount Moriah, Laurel Hill Cemetery is a pastoral burial ground where Philadelphia's famous and ordinary citizens are buried side by side, including famed architect Frank Furness. The gatehouse was built in 1835, the cemetery offers stunning views of the Schuylkill River. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Laurel Hill Cemetery (@laurelhillcemetery) on Sep 22, 2018 at 12:00pm PDT
The Woodlands Cemetery
Located right across from the 40th Street Trolley portal, the Woodlands is also historic and dates back to 1786 when William Hamilton shaped the land into a horticultural garden and built a stunning neoclassical mansion. Today, the burial ground is still activeâa popular program called Woodland Grave Gardeners lets volunteers adopt a grave and plant Victorian-era plants.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Woodlands (@woodlandsphila) on Aug 15, 2019 at 11:33am PDT
Mikveh Israel Cemetery
The Mikveh Israel Cemetery was established in 1740 and is the oldest Jewish cemetery in the city. Itâs just a 30x30 lot, but notables such as Haym Salomon, who was a key figure in the American Revolution, and Nathan Levy, whose ship brought the Liberty Bell to America, are buried here.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tammy Hepps (@tammyalexandra) on Dec 2, 2013 at 4:23am PST
Hood Cemetery
Established in 1692, Hood Cemetery, also known as the Lower Burial Ground of Germantown, is one of the oldest cemeteries in Philadelphia, and one of the oldest historical sites in Germantown. The stone gate was put up in 1842 by Germantown resident William Hood, who is buried here along with 41 soldiers of the Revolutionary War.
Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site
Known to many as Old Swede's Church, this national historic site is one of the oldest churches in the nation, dating back to 1700. Swedish settlers, Revolutionary War and Civil War veterans, and sea captains are buried in the cemetery, which has been in use since the 1700s, as well.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kyle Patterson (@polrimages) on May 9, 2018 at 11:51am PDT
Philadelphia National Cemetery
This Germantown cemetery is one of the nation's 14 original cemeteries established in 1862. Originally, it was actually composed of numerous lots of land, used as internments for soldiers who died in nearby hospitals during the war. That makes its landscape, which was inspired by designer Frank Law Olmstead, different from the typical cemetery. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.
Greenwood Knights of Pythias Cemetery
In 1869, architect Thomas Levy imagined a rural cemetery with rolling hills, a lake, and natural plantings in keeping with the rural cemetery movement of the 19th-century. Those grandiose plans never happened, however, and instead this historic cemetery fell into disrepair and victim to vandalism. Today, it's under new management and is undergoing revitalization so that families can visit their loved ones buried here.
Mt. Sinai Cemetery
Like Mikveh Israel Cemetery (#6), Mt. Sinai Cemetery is one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in Philadelphia, dating back to 1854. While the cemetery itself is not certified historic, the Frank Furness-designed mortuary chapel certainly is.
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Byberry African American Cemetery
Byberry Cemetery was only recently designated historic a few years ago. Its historic name is "Burying Place for All Free Negroes or People of Color within Byberry Twp," and it was established sometime around 1780. Today, it's a neglected lot of land overrun by foliage, but still protected by the city's Register of Historic Places.
Fair Hill Burial Ground
This cemetery in Fair Hill dates all the way back to 1703, when it was founded by the Religious Society of Friends. It's had some ups and downs over the years and has changed hands over the years, but prominent abolitionists are buried here and it remains one of two Quaker burial grounds in Philly's city limits.
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Palmer Burial Ground
Originally known as the Kensington Burial Ground, this cemetery dates back to 1747. Wealthy merchant Anthony Palmer established it as a burial ground for residents of his neighborhood. A number of Revolutionary War heroes are laid to rest here.
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Mount Vernon Cemetery
This cemetery is located just across the way from the famous Laurel Hill Cemetery, but it's taken a very different path. Mount Vernon Cemetery dates back to about the same time that Laurel Hill opened. It features a prominent gatehouse that was designed by John Notman, the same architect who designed Laurel Hill's. However, the cemetery has greatly deteriorated over the years despite a group's best efforts to restore the grounds, and it is currently closed to the public. Actor Drew Barrymore's great grandfather, as well as soldiers and signers of the Declaration of Independence are laid to rest here.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jen Von Haunt (@jenvonhaunt) on Feb 28, 2016 at 4:12pm PST
Eden Cemetery
Some 90,000 African Americans are buried in Eden Cemetery, which lies just few miles outside of Philly's city limits in Collingdale. Octavius Catto's grave is here, as is architect Julian Abele , the first black graduate of the University of Pennsylvaniaâs School of Design who went onto play a major role in designing the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Little is known about the history of Eden Cemetery, despite its immense size and notable citizens buried within its 23 sections. But its ties to African-American Philadelphians of the 19th century were considered significant enough for it to be added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2010.
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Laurel Hill and West Laurel Hill Cemeteries
Whoâs who of deceased Philadelphia in a magnificent setting...
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Location & Contact:
- 3822 Ridge Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19132
- (215) 228-8200
- Visit Website
Visiting historic Laurel Hill and West Laurel Hill evokes a bygone era when cemeteries were built intentionally in scenic areas, and visitors would come to walk the grounds not in mourning but to see the wondrous architecture and peaceful landscapes.
High above the Schuylkill River, a slew of the famous folks buried here are people who prospered from Revolutionary times to the late 20th century.
Laurel Hill houses the remains of Thomas McKean, a signer of the Declaration of Independence; Sarah Josepha Hale, the woman credited with establishing Thanksgiving as a national holiday and author of “Mary Had A Little Lamb”; and Matthais Baldwin, the locomotive magnate.
West Laurel Hill, across the river, serves as the final resting place for modern figures like members of the Calder sculpting family and publisher Cyrus Curtis.
Admission is free.
The History
Laurel Hill Cemetery was the first architecturally designed cemetery in the country.
Laurel Hill Cemetery was laid out on a series of winding paths above the Schuylkill River in 1836 â intended to not only be a non-denominational burial place, but also a scenic sanctuary for the living.
It lays claim to being the first architecturally designed cemetery in the country.
Laurel Hill became the cemetery of the elite and was a popular burial place for Civil War generals, including George Meade, the Union victor at Gettysburg. Victims from the Titanic are also buried here.
West Laurel Hill opened after Laurel Hill started becoming too crowded.
Don’t Miss
A monthly walking tour of the cemetery â aptly named Hot Spots and Storied Plots â gives visitors the can’t-miss inside scoop on some of the folks buried there.
Also, don’t miss out on exploring the great architecture of many of the tombstones and mausoleums. The William Warner tomb at Laurel Hill, designed by Alexander Milne Calder, the sculptor of the William Penn statue atop City Hall, shows the soul coming out of the tomb in a puff of smoke.
In the warmer months, guests can even enjoy yoga classes or run the annual RIP 5K through the cemetery.
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Grim Philly has been honored by Trip Advisor with their Traveler’s Choice BEST of the BEST highest Award which is given to less than 1% of 8 million activities worldwide. Trip Advisor has ranked Grim Philly’s Dark Philly Adult Night Tour as the #4 Cultural or Themed tour across the world, #25 of ALL activities in the entire United States, and needless to say #1 ranked of any possible activity you could choose across our own city here in Philadelphia.
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Welcome to Philadelphia's Best Walking Tour and the highest rated History Tour in Philadelphia (11am and 2pm daily for all ages). We also have the highest rated Best Ghost Tour in Philadelphia and our Dark Philly Adult Night Tour is a Dark History Walking Tour in Philadelphia that runs every night at 8pm all year-round and is for mature-audiences.
Every one of our Philadelphia Walking Tour guides have a history degree and most are historians and professors. Listen to the Best Podcast in Philadelphia - the award-winning Grim Philly Podcast in Philadelphia for even more.
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Grim Philly has been honored by Trip Advisor with their Traveler’s Choice BEST of the BEST Award given to less than 1% of 8 million activities worldwide. Trip Advisor has ranked Grim Philly’s Dark Philly Adult Night Tour as the #4 Cultural or Themed tour across the world, #25 of ALL activities in the entire United States, and needless to say #1 ranked of any activity to choose across our own city of Philadelphia.
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Christ Church Cemetery
Plan your visit
- 5th St âą 3 min walk
- Franklin Square âą 4 min walk
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Join us for a fun and entertaining evening of true ghost stories, real haunted houses, and where they buried the bodies!
Hear haunting tales about Philadelphia's historic sites, such as Independence Hall, Washington Square, Powel House, City Tavern, and more!
A costumed tour guide will lead you off the beaten path with chilling tales of heroes and villains, plague and pestilence, lost cemeteries and burial grounds!
Experience history brought back to life on Philly's most popular and unusual night-time attraction, the original Ghost Tour of Philadelphia!
Nightly Ghost Tours
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LOCATION: INDEPENDENCE PARK, OLD CITY, SOCIETY HILL
DEPARTS FROM: SIGNERS' GARDEN, 5TH & CHESTNUT STS. VIEW MAP >
Discover the secrets hidden in the shadows of America's most historic and most haunted city! Join the Ghost Tour of Philadelphia for a candlelight walking tour along the back streets and secret gardens of Independence National Park, Old City, and Society Hill, where ghostly spirits, haunted houses, and eerie graveyards lurk in the night! Named one of the top 15 "must see" attractions in the US!
PUBLIC TOURS
Tickets are $27 per person ($16 ages 4-12). Save $3 per adult ticket when you book online or by phone at 215-413-1997.
BOOK NOW AND SAVE $3 PER ADULT TICKET! >
Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are non-refundable.
PRIVATE TOURS
Private tours are available any night for one or more guests. Call 215-413-1997 to arrange a private tour.
TOURIST PASS HOLDERS
Guests who have purchased a tourist pass, please text or call us at 610-587-8308 to make your reservation. Please include the date and time that you would like to attend (check schedule here ), your last name, and the confirmation code from each individual pass.
GROUP TOURS
Available day or night, year-round. Visit our Group Tour page and call 610-587-8308 for availability and rates.
GIFT CERTIFICATES
Looking for a unique gift? Give a Ghost Tour gift certificate! You can choose the amount, and the recipient chooses the date. Click here to purchase now. To add the book to your gift, call 215-413-1997.
GHOST STORIES OF PHILADELPHIA, PA
The Ghost Tour of Philadelphia is based on the book, Ghost Stories of Philadelphia, PA. Discover the ghostlore of America's most historic and most haunted city with stories from the founding of William Penn's colony to present-day hauntings. Includes anecdotes from the Ghost Tour! 210 pp. Purchase with your tickets or at our Book Store .
Open year round!
March through November: Open every night.
December through February: Open weekends.
Tour lasts 75-90 minutes.
If you are interested in a date or time not on the schedule, call 215-413-1997 .
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- Rated one of the top 10 best Ghost Tours in the US (America's Best Online)
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The Ghost Tour of Philadelphia Candlelight Walking Tour departs from Signers' Garden, a fenced-in courtyard at the corner of 5th and Chestnut Sts, Philadelphia, PA 19106. View map >
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HISTORIC FAIR HILL is a 300-year old Quaker burial ground, the final resting place of important Abolitionists and Reformers including Robert Purvis and Lucretia Mott.
The land was willed by George Fox, the founder of Quakerism, to American Quakers in 1691 for use as âa meeting house and a school house and a burying place and for a playground for the children in the town to play on, and for a garden to plant with physical plants, for lad and lasses to make simples and learn to make oils and ointments.â Historic Fair Hill, Inc. interprets George Foxâs wishes for todayâs world by operating Historic Fair Hill as a nature and history education center.
11 may 12:00 pm 3:00 pm Historic Fair Hill: Family Fun Saturdays / Second Saturday Historic Fair Hill , 2901 Germantown Avenue 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Family Fun Saturdays at Historic Fair Hill [email protected] Storytime, Games, Arts & Crafts, Gardening, Scavenger Hunts & More! Adult Supervision Required Activities Offered May Vary
Family Fun Saturdays at Historic Fair Hill
May 11, 2024 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (GMT-04:00)
2901 Germantown Avenue
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18 may 12:00 pm 3:00 pm Historic Fair Hill: Family Fun Saturdays Historic Fair Hill , 2901 Germantown Avenue 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (GMT-04:00)
May 18, 2024 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (GMT-04:00)
25 may 12:00 pm 3:00 pm Historic Fair Hill: Family Fun Saturdays Historic Fair Hill , 2901 Germantown Avenue 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (GMT-04:00)
May 25, 2024 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (GMT-04:00)
08 jun 12:00 pm 3:00 pm Historic Fair Hill: Family Fun Saturdays Historic Fair Hill , 2901 Germantown Avenue 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (GMT-04:00)
June 8, 2024 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (GMT-04:00)
15 jun 12:00 pm 3:00 pm Historic Fair Hill: Family Fun Saturdays Historic Fair Hill , 2901 Germantown Avenue 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (GMT-04:00)
June 15, 2024 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (GMT-04:00)
22 jun 12:00 pm 3:00 pm Historic Fair Hill: Family Fun Saturdays Historic Fair Hill , 2901 Germantown Avenue 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (GMT-04:00)
June 22, 2024 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (GMT-04:00)
29 jun 12:00 pm 3:00 pm Historic Fair Hill: Family Fun Saturdays Historic Fair Hill , 2901 Germantown Avenue 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (GMT-04:00)
June 29, 2024 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (GMT-04:00)
Address 2901 Germantown Ave. at Cambria St. Philadelphia, PA 19133
Mailing Address 5501 Germantown Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19144
Map & Directions Programs & Events
Contact Phone: 215-870-8348 Email: [email protected]
Visitors welcome daylight hours through the Cambria St pedestrian gates.
History tours offered May through October: Second Saturdays: 12am – 4pm And by appointment and for special events
Admission: Free
Public Transportation on the #23 bus line, walking distance from the North Philadelphia stop on the Broad St. subway line and the North Philadelphia Amtrak and Septa Regional Rail train stations.
© Copyright 2024 | Historic Germantown. All rights reserved
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Green Mount Cemetery welcomes visitors. Â Maps and other materials can be obtained at the Cemetery Office located on the right side of the Entrance Gate; charges for cemetery burial records helps cover the cost of production.
All visitors are asked to sign in at the office.
Visitors are encouraged to set their own pace on a self-guided walking or driving tour. Featuring more than 75 of the most visited gravesites; the tour provides an intriguing look into the history of Baltimore.
View our Virtual Map and Visitors Brochure Here
Guided tours are being offered by Baltimore Heritage Baltimore Heritage https://baltimoreheritage.org/events/ 410-332-9992
From birdwatchers to Civil War historians, Green Mount Cemetery attracts groups with a wide variety of interests.
Tour groups (10 or more in the group) wishing to visit Green Mount Cemetery on their own are asked to schedule their visit at least two weeks in advance by calling the Cemetery Office at (410) 539-0641.
Hours of Operation
The Cemetery office and grounds are open Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. Grounds only are open on Saturday, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Closed Sundays. In cases of inclement weather, please call before visiting.
Holiday Schedule
- New Year’s Day – Closed
- Martin Luther King Day – Closed
- President’s Day – Closed
- Palm Sunday – 9:45 a.m. – 1:15 pm (grounds only)
- Easter Sunday – 9:45 a.m. – 1:15 pm (grounds only)
- Mother’s Day – 9:45 a.m. – 1:15 pm (grounds only)
- Memorial Day – 9:45 a.m. – 1:15 pm (grounds only)
- Father’s Day – 9:45 a.m. – 1:15 pm (grounds only)
- *July 4 th  – Closed
- Labor Day – Closed
- Thanksgiving Day – Closed
- * Christmas Day – Closed
* Should the holiday fall on a weekend, the Cemetery will be closed either Friday or Monday, so please call prior to your visit.
Suggestions for visiting
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Take a stroll down âOliver’s Walkâ.
- Enjoy the view of the city skyline from the southwest side of the Chapel.
- Restroom facilities are located at the Entrance Gate.
Green Mount Cemetery is a place of national significance. Please help us maintain its beauty and dignity by observing the following rules of etiquette:
- Parking is permitted along the sides of all roadways.
- Please drive carefully. Speeds should not exceed 15 mph.
- We ask that groups wishing to visit the Cemetery schedule their visit at least two weeks in advance.
- Buses may park on the apron in front of the Entrance Gate, but are not permitted inside the Cemetery.
- PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH OR LEAN ON GRAVESTONES. DUE TO AGE OF GRAVESTONES, TOPPLING IS A POSSIBLE HAZARD. PLEASE DO NOT WALK ON HILLSIDE VAULTS. DUE TO AGE & INSTABILITY IT IS A POSSIBLE HAZARD.
- Show respect for the deceased and for their surviving families and loved ones. Do not intrude on funeral services. Do not bring alcohol, firearms, or entertainment items into the Cemetery.  Always be considerate of others.
- Well-behaved children under the direct supervision of responsible adults are welcome. Running, playing, and noisy activities are not appropriate.
- Pets are not permitted.
- Please do not litter.
- Photographs (but not films) can be taken but they are not to be published commercially or on social media, and the photographer shall not identify the site, location or specific subject matter depicted in any such photograph. Photographing funerals is prohibited.
- Filming or other audio-visual recordings are prohibited.
- Please plan your visit so that you can exit the Cemetery no later than 3:45 PM.
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Designing for the Dead: Art & Architecture of Laurel Hill
Accessible Hot Spots & Storied Plots
Stop the Presses! Printers & Publishers of Laurel Hill East
Members Only: Mysteries in Mausoleums
Nurture with Nature: Memory Pockets
Join us for the May session of our Therapeutic Horticulture workshop series.
This Sporting Life: Athletes of Laurel Hill West
Grief, Movement, and Memory
This workshop invites participants to practice gentle movement as a way to engage with grief and memories of loved ones.
Laurel Hill Goes to the Movies
Volunteer Flag Placement: Preparing to Honor America's Heroes
Hot Spots & Storied Plots
Sacred Spaces & Storied Places
Memorial Day Celebration
Join the General Meade Society for its annual Memorial Day celebration.
Boneyard Bookworms: May Book Discussion
All are welcome to drop into Laurel Hill's monthly book club!
Out of the Closet & Into the Crypt
Hanging Up the White Coat: Doctors Who Went in a Different Direction
A Tour for Tiny Taphs
Stagecoaches & Omnibuses: Victorian Transport
The Shade Trees of Summer at Laurel Hill West
Victorian Spirit Crawl
The Gilded Age is resurrected in these candlelit, nighttime history tours of Laurel Hill East.
Queerly Departed: LGBTQ+ Stories of Laurel Hill West
Pocket of Paradise Neighborhood Tour
Cinema in the Cemetery: Midsommar
Join us to mark the summer solstice with an outdoor screening of Midsommar and themed activities.
Nurture with Nature: Fragrance Walk & Herb Pots
Join us for the June session of our Therapeutic Horticulture workshop series.
Unlisted: Laurel Hill's Most Mysterious Graves
Boneyard Bookworms: June Book Discussion
All are welcome to drop into Laurel Hill's monthly book club.
Gettysburg & Beyond: The Ultimate Civil War Tour
Call in the Cavalry: 1st City Troop at Laurel Hill East
Nurture with nature: edible weeds & infused honey.
Join us for the July session of our Therapeutic Horticulture workshop series.
Boneyard Bookworms: July Book Discussion
Cinema in the Cemetery: Vampire's Kiss
Join us for an outdoor screening of Vampire's Kiss along with themed activities.
A Walk Around the Summit
Only the Good Die Young
Annual Classic Hearse Show
Presented by the Mohnton Professional Car Club.
Dear Diary: Laurel Hill Encounters from Thomas P. Cope's Diary
An online space to meet and talk openly about death.
Power Couples of Laurel Hill
Members Only: Mimosas & Mausoleums
Nurture with nature: grounding wisdom.
Join us for the August session of our Therapeutic Horticulture workshop series.
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Mount Moriah Cemetery. 6201 Kingsessing Avenue, Southwest Philly. Mount Moriah Cemetery, one of Philly's historic cemeteries that was begun in the 1850s. Photograph by pwbaker/Flickr. This ...
Tours ; Cemetery Maps ; About ... Join one of our Hot Spots or Sacred Spaces walking tours for a memorable overview of our cemeteries and residents, or one of our many specialty themed tours. [email protected] 215.228.8200. ... Philadelphia, PA 19132. Laurel Hill West 225 Belmont Ave. Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004.
But you'll have to leave the pup at home: No dogs are allowed. The cemetery also hosts many events, from movie nights to 5K runs and Halloween activities. đ 2900 State Rd., Drexel Hill, đ 610-259-5800, đ arlingtoncemetery.us, đ Daily, dawn-dusk, đ« Free.
Tours ; Cemetery Maps ; About ... Philadelphia, PA 19132. Phone. 215.228.8200. View Map . Tours. Proceeds raised through our public and private tours directly support the preservation of our cemeteries. Upcoming Tours & Private Tour Requests. Visitor Guidelines.
Swedish settlers, Revolutionary War and Civil War veterans, and sea captains are buried in the cemetery, which has been in use since the 1700s, as well. Open in Google Maps. 916 S Swanson St, Philadelphia, PA 19147. (215) 389-1513. Visit Website.
The best Philadelphia Cemetery tours are: From NYC: Philadelphia and Washington DC 2-Day Tour. From New York City: 4-Day Tour w/ Niagara Falls & US Capitol. From New York City: 5-Day Tour w/Niagara Falls & White House. Philadelphia: Ghosts of Philadelphia Walking Tour.
Discover the dark secrets of America's most historic and haunted city on this 3-hour, guided walking tour around Philadelphia. Visit historic sites like the Christ Church Burial Ground and hear the terrifying tales of grave robbers, crazed killers and the devastating epidemic that once hit the city. After the tour, relax with a free drink at one of Philadelphia's best pubs. This unique tour is ...
The History. Laurel Hill Cemetery was the first architecturally designed cemetery in the country. Laurel Hill Cemetery was laid out on a series of winding paths above the Schuylkill River in 1836 â intended to not only be a non-denominational burial place, but also a scenic sanctuary for the living.. It lays claim to being the first architecturally designed cemetery in the country.
Free on-street parking is available near the cemetery although we discourage parking along Ridge Avenue. ... Tour Groups must contact the Volunteer & Tour Manager for specific directions: [email protected]. ... Philadelphia, PA 19132. Laurel Hill West 225 Belmont Ave. Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 ...
Find Laurel Hill Cemetery Tours, Fitchburg, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States ratings, photos, prices, expert advice, traveler reviews and tips, and more information from Condé Nast Traveler.
Uncover Philadelphia's dark past, and visit some of its most famous landmarks besides, on this macabre, small-group walking tour of Center City. Meet your guide (a college professor or trained historian), and set off to sights ranging from Betsy Ross House and Elfreth's Alley to Christ Church and beyond. As you go, listen to ghost stories, legends about famous serial killers, and other ...
Betsy Ross, Elfreth's Ally, The Benjamin Franklin Cemetery, along with tales of true-crime and a history mix mark this unique walking tour of historic Philadelphia. Every Grim Philly guide has a Master's Degree in American History. And your journey back in time is peppered with chilling stories of the most infamous Philadelphia serial killers ...
Welcome to Philadelphia's Best Walking Tour and the highest rated History Tour in Philadelphia (11am and 2pm daily for all ages). We also have the highest rated Best Ghost Tour in Philadelphia and our Dark Philly Adult Night Tour is a Dark History Walking Tour in Philadelphia that runs every night at 8pm all year-round and is for mature-audiences.
The Constitutional Walking Tour of Philadelphia. 347. Recommended. 93% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Historical Tours. from . $24.00. ... Had a great visit at the Christ Church Cemetery today with tour guide Bob. He was very funny, informative, and an all-around great guy. ...
The True Crime Philadelphia: Cemetery and History Tour offers a fascinating exploration of Philadelphia's dark past, taking participants to historic cemeteries and revealing the stories of famous criminals. Led by knowledgeable and experienced tour guides, this two-hour tour is a captivating journey through the city's hidden secrets and ...
The National Constitution Center, where all of our tours both begin and end, is only about 15 minutes away by car from Laurel Hill Cemetery. Guests can also take the Route 61 bus which goes directly to Laurel Hill Cemetery. The most convenient place for guests of The Constitutional Walking Tour to catch the route 61 bus is at the corner of 9th ...
Group Tours: 610-587-8308. Email: [email protected]. Fax: 866-692-9332. DEPARTURE POINT. The Ghost Tour of Philadelphia Candlelight Walking Tour departs from Signers' Garden, a fenced-in courtyard at the corner of 5th and Chestnut Sts, Philadelphia, PA 19106. View map > CONNECT. Facebook: @philadelphiaghosttours. Twitter: @ghosttours. FAQ
The Friends of Laurel Hill began their public programming nearly 50 years ago with tours of Laurel Hill East, now a national historic landmark. General History tours continue at both locations year-round, with Hot Spots & Storied Plots at Laurel Hill East on the second Saturday and fourth Friday of every month, and Sacred Spaces & Storied ...
Parallel Lives in the Fight for Suffrage:A Tour of Historic Eden Cemetery and The Woodlands. In honor of the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment giving Women the right to vote, this digital tour will feature two women, and two cemeteries. Mary Grew and Frances Harper were both leaders in the abolitionist movement and the fight for women's ...
Philadelphia, PA 19133. Mailing Address 5501 Germantown Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19144. Map & Directions Programs & Events. Contact Phone: 215-870-8348 Email: [email protected]. Hours. Visitors welcome daylight hours through the Cambria St pedestrian gates. History tours offered May through October: Second Saturdays: 12am - 4pm
Tours ; Cemetery Maps ; About ... Cemetery & Funeral Offerings Our compassionate staff is here to assist with an array of services - from planning a funeral, pre-planning, selecting property, and more. ... Philadelphia, PA 19132. Laurel Hill West 225 Belmont Ave. Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004.
410-332-9992. From birdwatchers to Civil War historians, Green Mount Cemetery attracts groups with a wide variety of interests. Tour groups (10 or more in the group) wishing to visit Green Mount Cemetery on their own are asked to schedule their visit at least two weeks in advance by calling the Cemetery Office at (410) 539-0641.
Learn More. Pocket of Paradise Neighborhood Tour. Saturday, June 15, 202411:00 am - 1:00 pm. Learn More. Cinema in the Cemetery: Midsommar. Friday, June 21, 20247:00 pm - 10:00 pm. Join us to mark the summer solstice with an outdoor screening of Midsommar and themed activities.