Sculpture. Beauty. History. Wildlife. Peace.

This is a quiet place to escape the world's madness.

(The William Warner Monument designed by Alexander Calder in Laurel Hill West, Philadelphia. My photo.)

Need a break from all the political turmoil? Let me tell you about one of my favorite places to escape. Cemeteries.

That’s right. Cemeteries.

I have a bumper sticker on my car that says: I ❤️ Cemeteries. Naturally, I get asked about it every now and then. Why!!!?

Sorry about my dirty car. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Anyway, I’ve been fascinated by cemeteries since I was in high school. There’s a name for people like me. We’re called tapophiles, tombstone tourists, or grave hunters. For me, the older the cemetery the better. I’m drawn in by the trees and plantings, the history, architecture, stained glass in the mausoleums, or historical people of note who might be buried there. The epitaphs on some stones can be quite moving.

A Note About The Rural Cemetery Movement

In the 1800’s, the American attitude towards death was changing. People wanted spaces outsides their cities that were pleasant and park-like, and so the rural cemetery movement began. There was also the public health concern of sanitary methods for burial, which was a major concern after the Civil War. American cemeteries began to transform into aesthetically pleasing spaces, some designed by renowned architects and botanists, inspired by French and British gardens. Wealthy people responded by hiring famous artists and sculptors to design elaborate monuments and mausoleums… and let me tell you, there are some magnificent examples.

The limestone Benson Mausoleum was the first mausoleum built in the area of Laurel Hill Cemetery that became known as Millionaires Row. My photo.

The Betz Mausoleum, built by John Betz, wealthy beer baron in Philadelphia. Inside is an elaborate spiral staircase leading a flight down to the 30 underground crypts. My photo.

For about three years, I volunteered at Mount Moriah Historic Cemetery & Arboretum in SW Philadelphia. It’s huge… approximately 200 acres with an estimated 180,000 graves! It had been abandoned for decades and the overgrowth of trees, weeds, and grasses was staggering. It’s also in a tough part of town, so it has had its share of vandalism and issues. I joined the eventual restoration efforts, mowing grass, cutting vines and weeds, organizing volunteer days and eventually served on their board. Before and after in just one of the sections at Mount Moriah:

Eventually, the city of Philadelphia grew and surrounded Mount Moriah. This massive green space is important to the urban neighborhood. This is place where people can walk their dogs, ride their bikes, or have a picnic. I’ve run into people playing their guitar, reading a book, or sketching.

If you’re into tracing your ancestors, that’s another good reason to explore a cemetery. I found my 6th great grandfather in a modest cemetery in Bedford, Indiana. The stone wasn’t grand, but I found out Joshua served in the Revolutionary War under George Washington at Valley Forge. And that was pretty cool!

And there are SO MANY photo opportunities! 😍

So, find a cemetery. Wander around and absorb the peace and quiet. Let me know what you find… maybe something like this!