What are the opening hours?

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Albany Rural Cemetery

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Albany, NY
Albany Rural Cemetery

Founded in 1841 and on the National Register of Historic Places, Albany Rural Cemetery is the final resting place to thousands who shaped our nation.

Continuing to serve families with burial lots, mausoleum, green burials, and cremation with dignity.

09/04/2026

In observance of Labor Day, the Albany Rural Cemetery office and crematory will be closed on Monday, September 7th. While administrative operations will pause for the holiday, the grounds and public mausoleum will remain open for visitation between 7:30 AM and 7:30 PM.

07/11/2026

Albany Cemetery Association, as owner and manager of Albany Rural Cemetery, is seeking an experienced part-time Bookkeeper who is experienced with accounting principles and QuickBooks. This is a part-time position that is about 12 to 16 hours per week and reports to the General Manager. This is a flexible position in terms of days and hours, although payroll must be completed on Tuesday.

Founded in 1841, the Cemetery is one of the most significant historic cemeteries in the United States. Its 467 acres of rolling hills, mature trees, and remarkable monuments includes — a U.S. President, State governors, members of Congress, military heroes, and generations of families who helped shape the Capital Region and our nation. The Cemetery is both a place of remembrance for the more than 135,000 individuals who chose it as their final resting place and an historic landscape to be preserved for future generations.

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line "Bookkeeper Position."

07/01/2026

In observance of Independence Day, the cemetery office will be closed on Friday, July 3rd. Our grounds and the public mausoleum will remain open for visitors from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, as always. All staff will be off in observance of the holiday. Normal operations will resume on Monday, July 6th.

We invite you to spend part of your Fourth of July walking the grounds and visiting the memorials of those who shaped both our city and our nation.

Wishing you a safe, meaningful, and reflective Independence Day.

The Albany Rural Cemetery Team

Visiting Hours (Year-Round Access)
Please note: Cemetery gates and the Public Mausoleum are open year-round, including all holidays, during posted visiting hours.
Winter hours: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Summer hours: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM

06/29/2026

Albany Cemetery Association, as owner and manager of Albany Rural Cemetery (“Cemetery”), is seeking a General Manager to lead the still active Cemetery into its next chapter. It seeks a steady, visible leader who can run a complex nonprofit corporation continuing its history as one of the first cemeteries established in New York. The ideal candidate would understand cemetery service to be both a profession and a calling — balancing sound business management with historic stewardship, leading staff with integrity and professionalism, and guiding families with empathy. This is a rare opportunity to have a positive impact on families and the community while preserving one of New York's most treasured landscapes.

Founded in 1841, the Cemetery is one of the most significant historic cemeteries in the United States. Its 467 acres of rolling hills, mature trees, and remarkable monuments includes — a U.S. President, State governors, members of Congress, military heroes, and generations of families who helped shape the Capital Region and our nation. The Cemetery is both a place of remembrance for the more than 135,000 individuals who chose it as their final resting place and an historic landscape to be preserved for future generations.

To apply, submit a resume to [email protected] with the subject line “General Manager Position.”

All applications for this position must be received no later than July 17, 2026 in order to receive consideration.

06/18/2026

In observance of Juneteenth, Friday, June 19, 2026, Albany Rural Cemetery's gates will remain open for gravesite visitation, and the Public Mausoleum will be accessible during normal posted visiting hours.

Please note that crematory, grounds, and office staff will be off, and administrative office will be closed in observance of the holiday. Normal operations will resume Monday, June 22nd.

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and serves as a day of reflection, remembrance, education, and celebration of freedom. It is a reminder of our nation's continuing journey toward liberty, equality, and opportunity for all.

As a place dedicated to remembrance and preserving the stories of those who came before us, Albany Rural Cemetery recognizes the importance of reflecting upon our shared history and the individuals whose lives helped shape our communities and our nation.

Among those interred here is Adam Blake (Section 42, Lot 22), widely regarded as one of Albany's most successful African American businessmen and the longtime proprietor of the historic Kenmore Hotel. Born to parents who served at the Van Rensselaer Manor, Blake rose through determination, entrepreneurship, and hard work to become one of Albany's most respected citizens and business leaders.

Albany Rural Cemetery is also the final resting place of members of Albany's historic African American community whose stories reflect perseverance, service, faith, and achievement. The Cemetery's Church Ground, Section 49, includes burials associated with Albany's early African Methodist Episcopal and First Baptist African congregations, preserving an important chapter of our region's history.

This Juneteenth, consider visiting Adam Blake's gravesite in Section 42, Lot 22, and reflect upon a remarkable life whose legacy continues to be woven into the history of our city.

Thank you for your understanding, and we wish everyone a safe and meaningful Juneteenth.

06/16/2026

Albany Rural Cemetery is proud to announce the addition of a new S**G mower to our fleet. This purchase was made possible through a partnership between Albany Rural Cemetery, the Friends of Albany Rural Cemetery, Menands True Value, and the many generous donors and supporters who continue to believe in our mission.

A special thank you to Menands True Value for working with us on this purchase and for supporting the preservation and operation of one of the Capital Region's most important historic landscapes.
When you step back and look at what has been accomplished in just the last few months, it is remarkable.

• A new F-350 dump truck to support burial operations and grounds maintenance
• 29,000 square feet of roadway improvements
• A new crematory serving families throughout the Capital Region
• A new S**G mower to help maintain nearly 500 acres of historic grounds

These are not luxuries. They are investments in the future of Albany Rural Cemetery. They are investments in the tools, equipment, and infrastructure necessary to properly care for this historic institution and continue serving families with dignity and professionalism.

Every day our dedicated staff and volunteers wear many hats. We perform burials and cremations. We assist families with lot sales and memorialization. We mow, trim, plant, preserve, and maintain hundreds of acres of grounds. We care for roads, trees, monuments, and memorials. We are custodians, last responders and stewards of history, preservationists, groundskeepers, laborers, administrators, and educators all at once.

Albany Rural Cemetery is more than an active burial ground. It is an outdoor museum, an arboretum, a community resource, and the final resting place of many of the men and women who helped build Albany, the Capital Region, New York State, and our nation. Individuals such as Henry Burden, Erastus Corning, John Boyd Thacher, and countless others helped shape the communities we know today.

Preserving a place of this size, age, and significance is a tremendous responsibility. It is also a tremendous undertaking.
We are doing a great deal with limited resources, but there is still much work to do. We are not afraid to ask for help.

We encourage you to continue investing in Albany Rural Cemetery and know that your donations are being invested wisely, responsibly, and in the fundamental needs of this historic institution. Whether it is equipment, roads, trees, preservation projects, monument restoration, or other critical improvements, your support is making a visible difference.

If you would like to support a specific project through a restricted donation, please contact us to learn more. There are countless opportunities to help preserve and restore this remarkable place.

Things are happening at Albany Rural Cemetery. Progress is being made. History is being preserved.

We invite you to become part of that story.

Come help us preserve history.

06/07/2026

For many years, these historic pedestrian gates stood as a beautiful reminder of Albany Rural Cemetery’s past, but they were no longer functional. Today, we’re proud to share that they have been restored to working order and are once again welcoming visitors on foot.

This project is another example of how small improvements can make a big difference in preserving the character and experience of our cemetery while honoring its history.

A sincere thank you to Albany Steel for once again supporting Albany Rural Cemetery and helping us literally open the gates to history. Their partnership and generosity continue to make projects like this possible.

Special thanks to Peter Hess and his team for donating their time, expertise, and equipment to help bring these gates back to life.

And, of course, a big thank you to Paul who helped us raise the gates and raise the bar for what can be accomplished when people come together to care for this special place.

We look forward to seeing visitors once again pass through these gates for years to come.

06/05/2026

Yesterday, Albany Rural Cemetery had the privilege of hosting the New York State Division of Cemeteries’ Cemetery 101 educational program. We are proud to share that, for the second time, Albany Rural Cemetery hosted the most well-attended Cemetery 101 class the Division has offered, having achieved that distinction in both 2024 and again in 2026. The strong turnout reflects the dedication of cemetery professionals, trustees, volunteers, and advocates who are committed to preserving and advancing our profession.

We extend our sincere thanks to the many cemeterians who joined us, as well as the Albany Rural Cemetery Board Members who took the time to attend and participate. Your presence demonstrated a commitment to learning, leadership, and the continued improvement of our organization and the cemetery profession.

Special appreciation goes to the Friends of Albany Rural Cemetery for generously providing refreshments and helping make our guests feel welcome throughout the day. Their continued support of educational programming and community engagement is greatly appreciated.

A heartfelt thank you also goes to Kerry Forezzi and Kerry McGovern for sharing their knowledge, experience, and passion for the cemetery profession. Educational opportunities such as Cemetery 101 are invaluable, and their willingness to teach and guide others helps strengthen cemeteries across New York State.

Education, collaboration, and stewardship are essential to the future of our cemeteries. We were honored to serve as the host site for this important program and proud to welcome so many individuals dedicated to serving families, preserving history, and caring for these sacred places.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the day a tremendous success. We look forward to continuing to support opportunities that bring cemetery professionals together to learn, share ideas, and move our profession forward.

06/03/2026

This week, Albany Rural Cemetery took another significant step forward with the completion of approximately 18,000 square feet of roadway repairs and resurfacing along Linden Avenue and into Section 125.

For years, this roadway has been patched and repaired as resources allowed. While those efforts helped extend its life, the time had come for a more permanent solution. Thanks to the support of the Friends of Albany Rural Cemetery, the approval of the Albany Cemetery Association Board of Trustees, and the outstanding work of BDB Paving, visitors, families, funeral directors, lot owners, and staff can now enjoy a safer, smoother, and more dignified route through one of the Cemetery’s most heavily traveled areas.

What makes this project especially meaningful is that it was made possible through the dedication of our volunteers, supporters, and community partners. This marks our second major paving project in one month. Combined, these efforts have resurfaced approximately 29,000 square feet of roadway - more than half a mile of improved driving and walking surfaces throughout the Cemetery. Every tour, event, membership, donation, and volunteer hour contributed by the Friends helps make improvements like this possible. These roadways are more than pavement - they are a visible reminder that community support continues to preserve and improve this historic landscape for future generations.

Special thanks are extended to the Friends of Albany Rural Cemetery for helping make this project possible, to BDB Paving for their professionalism and quality workmanship, to Frank Slingerland, President of the Albany Cemetery Association, for supporting and approving the project, and to Lance Ingmire for his invaluable assistance in helping secure competitive pricing and move the project forward.

As General Manager, I spend a lot of time thinking about what Albany Rural Cemetery can become. Seeing fresh pavement where there were once potholes, patches, and temporary fixes is more than a construction project- it’s proof that progress is possible. We aren’t simply maintaining a historic cemetery; we are steadily restoring, improving, and investing in its future.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this project possible. There is truly a little piece of each of you in Albany Rural Cemetery.

We are investing in the Cemetery. Invest in us. Come visit, walk the grounds, talk with us, and become a part of the history we are preserving together.

If you’d like to support these restoration efforts, please contact our office to learn how your donation can help keep Albany Rural’s legacy moving forward. Please remember our summer hours are currently in effect: gates are open 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM, Sunday through Saturday.

06/01/2026

Reminder: Cemetery 101 is this Wednesday!

There’s still time to join us! This Wednesday, June 3rd, Albany Rural Cemetery will be hosting the New York State Department of State Division of Cemeteries for their Cemetery 101 and Cemetery Accounting courses at the Albany Rural Cemetery Chapel.

Come connect with Division staff, get your questions answered, and gain practical insight into cemetery best practices — all in one afternoon.

Date: Wednesday, June 3rd
Time: 1PM
Location: Albany Rural Cemetery Chapel
68 Cemetery Ave., Albany, NY 12204

RSVP Here: https://dos.ny.gov/cemeteries-101

RSVPs are appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Please note that our office will be closed so that our staff may attend. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing you there!

Address

68 Cemetery Avenue
Albany, NY
12204

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday	8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+15184637017

Website

http://albanyruralcemetery.org/

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