A garden cemetery and accredited arboretum serving all faiths in the Greater Boston area since 1855. Open to the public every day.
Organized in 1855 and laid out in the popular “garden-style” design of the times that began with Mount Auburn Cemetery, Newton Cemetery continues to reflect the “picturesque” aesthetic envisioned by its founders. At a time when there were no public parks or museums, Newton Cemetery became a destination spot, a place for quiet recreation and reflection, as well as a space to study art and architecture in the landscape. Trolley tracks led right up to the Walnut Street gates, the original of which were designed by George Meacham, a local architect who also designed the Boston Public Gardens. Under the supervision of cemetery president Dr. Henry F. Bigelow (1855-1866) and the care of superintendent Henry Ross (1860 – 1899) , Newton Cemetery became an award-winning horticultural site that most recently was awarded Level II arboretum status. The Civil War Soldiers’ Monument that was erected in 1864 (prior to the end of war) qualifies for listing on the National Register for Historic Places as the second such monument in the state. Originally 30 acres in size, Newton Cemetery is now nearly 100 acres, with the design of newly developed areas returning to the same picturesque landscape the Cemetery began with.
Serving families in the Greater Boston Area since 1855. The grounds are open every day of the year and visitors are welcome. Maps and self-guided tours are available at the office and online.
