Forest Hills Cemetery

Forest Hills Cemetery. It is a historic 275-acre garden cemetery and arboretum located in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1848, it is a premier example of the Rural Cemetery Movement and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The cemetery is renowned for its beautiful landscape, significant funerary art, and as the final resting place for many notable figures from New England history.

History

The cemetery was incorporated in 1848 by Henry A. S. Dearborn, then mayor of Roxbury, who was inspired by the success of nearby Mount Auburn Cemetery. Its design was influenced by the principles of the Rural Cemetery Movement, which aimed to create serene, park-like settings for burial. The original landscape design was crafted by Alexander Wadsworth, a civil engineer and cousin of the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, it expanded and evolved, with significant contributions from landscape architects like John C. Olmsted of the famed Olmsted Brothers firm. It served as a model for later cemeteries across the United States and became a cherished public space for the residents of Boston.

Notable burials

The cemetery is the final resting place for a vast array of prominent individuals from the 19th and 20th centuries. Literary figures include the poets E. E. Cummings and Anne Sexton, as well as the playwright Eugene O'Neill. Notable social reformers and activists interred here include William Lloyd Garrison, a leading voice of the abolitionist movement, and Lucy Stone, a pioneer for women's suffrage. The arts are represented by sculptors like Martin Milmore and Daniel Chester French, the latter known for the Lincoln Memorial statue. Other notable burials include Sacco and Vanzetti, whose controversial trial became an international cause célèbre, and Robert Gould Shaw, the colonel of the famed 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment.

Architecture and landscape

The grounds are a masterwork of landscape architecture, featuring rolling hills, tranquil ponds like Lake Hibiscus, and winding paths designed for contemplation. The cemetery functions as an accredited arboretum with a diverse collection of trees and shrubs. Its funerary art and architecture are exceptional, with monuments ranging from simple headstones to elaborate mausoleums. Significant structures include the Forrest Hall chapel and crematory, built in 1898, and the striking Death and the Sculptor monument by Daniel Chester French. The landscape design incorporates influences from the English landscape garden tradition and has been maintained and enhanced by successive generations of horticulturists.

In popular culture

The cemetery's atmospheric beauty and historical significance have made it a frequent subject and setting in various artistic works. It is featured in the poetry of E. E. Cummings, who is buried there, and has been referenced in works by other New England authors. The grounds have served as a filming location for movies, including scenes in *The Thomas Crown Affair* and *Shutter Island*. Its tranquil paths and notable monuments also make it a popular subject for photographers and painters, contributing to its enduring presence in the cultural landscape of Boston.

Administration and access

The cemetery is operated by the Forest Hills Cemetery Corporation, a non-profit organization dedicated to its preservation and maintenance. It remains an active burial ground, offering a range of interment options while preserving its historic character. The grounds are open to the public daily for walking, tours, and reflection, and it is accessible via the MBTA's Orange Line at the Forest Hills station. The administration organizes numerous cultural and educational events throughout the year, including historical tours, musical performances, and the annual Lantern Festival, which celebrates the cemetery's role as a community space.