Ferncliff Cemetery

Ferncliff Cemetery. It is a prominent private cemetery located in Hartsdale, New York, within Westchester County. Established in the early 20th century, it has become a renowned resting place for numerous notable figures from the worlds of entertainment, business, and the arts. The cemetery is known for its expansive grounds, distinctive mausoleums, and its long-standing crematory and columbarium facilities.

History

The cemetery was founded in 1902, during an era when New York City's urban cemeteries like Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn were reaching capacity. Its development coincided with the expansion of the New York Central Railroad, which improved access to the suburban Hudson Valley. Throughout the 20th century, it became a preferred choice for many affluent New Yorkers, including a significant number from the entertainment industry based in nearby Manhattan. The cemetery's crematory, established early in its history, was one of the first of its kind in the region and performed services for many individuals whose remains were later interred elsewhere, such as John Lennon and Judy Garland.

Notable interments

The cemetery serves as the final resting place for a vast array of influential individuals. From the world of music and entertainment, interments include iconic singer and actress Mae West, legendary jazz musician and bandleader Cab Calloway, and celebrated actress and singer Edith Piaf. Notable figures from business and industry buried here include cosmetics magnate Helena Rubinstein and department store heir Bernard F. Gimbel. Other distinguished residents include baseball Hall of Famer James "Cool Papa" Bell, famed architect Stanford White, and influential art collector Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney. The cemetery also contains the remains of several prominent figures from the Harlem Renaissance and the Civil rights movement.

Location and features

Situated on approximately 250 acres in Hartsdale, New York, the cemetery features rolling, landscaped grounds designed in a park-like style. Its notable architectural features include numerous private family mausoleums, many built in classical revival styles, and a large community mausoleum. A central feature is its historic crematory and columbarium, a complex that includes the distinctive Shrine of Memories for urn placements. The grounds are meticulously maintained with gardens, winding roads, and tranquil water features, offering a serene environment. Its location provides relatively easy access from New York City and other parts of the New York metropolitan area.

Administration and services

The cemetery is operated as a private, non-sectarian corporation, overseen by a board of directors. It offers a comprehensive range of burial and memorialization services, including traditional in-ground plots, mausoleum crypts, and cremation niches within its columbaria. The administration manages pre-need planning and perpetual care trusts for all interment properties. Its long-standing on-site crematory remains a central service, and the staff includes licensed funeral directors to assist families. The cemetery is accredited by the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association and adheres to the regulations of the New York State Department of State.

In popular culture

The cemetery has been referenced in various media due to its famous residents. It is mentioned in biographies and documentaries about figures like Cab Calloway and Mae West. The distinctive architecture of its mausoleums has been used as a filming location for television and film projects seeking an evocative, historic setting. Its association with numerous celebrities from the Golden Age of Hollywood ensures it is often cited in works about entertainment history. The cemetery's role in handling the cremated remains of individuals like Malcolm X and Joan Crawford has also been noted in historical accounts and popular literature.

Category:Cemeteries in Westchester County, New York Category:1902 establishments in New York (state) Category:Cemeteries on the National Register of Historic Places in New York (state)