New book captures 175 years of history at Laurel Hill

In honor of its 175th year, the Friends of the Laurel Hill Cemetery released a book, “175 Years of Reflections” with a special launch event this weekend. 

The cemetery, the first to receive the distinction of National Historic Landmark from the Department of the Interior, is the final resting place for generations of Philadelphians, including several luminaries, Titanic victims, Civil War veterans and newspaper publishers.

Held on the grounds of the cemetery, the event was well attended and included a reception as well as readings from contributing authors.

 

The hardbound book, published by the Friends of Laurel Hill Cemetery and edited by staffers Gwen Kaminksi, Alexis Jeffcoat and Emma Stern, includes stories, poems, photographs and paintings by members of the board as well as lot owners and the general public.

Speakers at the book launch included board president Pete Hoskins, author Tom Keels, and many other contributors.

The cemetery continues its anniversary celebration with special events and programs all year long, and has recently completed restoration of the Medallion Garden, known as the shrubbery, as well as finished the planting of 175 trees in accordance with cemetery creator John J. Smith.

To purchase a book, call (215) 228-8817. 

The Laurel Hill Cemetery, located at 3822 Ridge Avenue in Philadelphia, is free and open to the public seven days a week.