Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation

Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation The Foundation shares the art, history and nature of Hartford’s Cedar Hill Cemetery with the public.

Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation’s mission is to preserve, protect and promote in perpetuity the art, culture, history and natural beauty of Hartford’s nationally recognized Cedar Hill Cemetery. Established in 1864, Cedar Hill is an American rural cemetery encompassing 270 acres of landscaped woodlands, waterways, and memorial grounds. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Cedar Hill s

erves as a sanctuary for memorial artworks, Hartford history, welcomed wildlife, and many visitors who come to remember loved ones and tour the grounds. To date, more than 34,000 people have been laid to rest at Cedar Hill including manufacturing magnate Samuel C**t, financier and philanthropist John Pierpont Morgan, discoverer of anesthesia Dr. Horace Wells, Tuskegee Airman Lemuel Custis, and four-time Best Actress Oscar winner Katharine Hepburn. Created in 1999, Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation maintains and restores the Cemetery’s historic architecture, preserves the historic and unique memorial artworks, conserves and protects the natural resources and wildlife, cares for the picturesque trees and shrubs, and offers educational tours and events to the public. Visitors are welcome to experience Cedar Hill through quiet recreational activities. Activities such as walking, birding, photography, and painting. The brochures, A Guide for Visitors, A Guide to Notable Trees, and Guide by Cell Audio Tour are available for self-guided experiences. The Foundation annually provides public programs and events in addition to guided tours for community groups.

Notable of the Month - Thomas Church Brownell (1779-1865) A graduate of Union College, Thomas Church Brownell taught at ...
06/01/2026

Notable of the Month - Thomas Church Brownell (1779-1865)

A graduate of Union College, Thomas Church Brownell taught at his alma mater before entering the ministry.

In 1813, he was baptized and confirmed as an Episcopalian minister. Six years later, the diocese of Connecticut chose Brownell to serve as the state’s 3rd Presiding Bishop.

As Bishop, Brownell reignited efforts to establish a faith-based college in Connecticut. In 1823, Washington College (now Trinity College) was chartered by the state legislature. Brownell was elected its first president, a position he held for nearly a decade.

In 1852, Brownell was appointed the 7th Presiding Bishop of the United States Episcopal Church – a position he held until his death in 1865.

Thomas Church Brownell is laid to rest in Section 2.

Learn more about Brownell on the upcoming walking tour, The Streets of Hartford, on Saturday, June 20, 10:00 am.

The urn and willow tree were two of the first motifs to replace death’s heads and soul effigies found in 17th- and 18th-...
05/30/2026

The urn and willow tree were two of the first motifs to replace death’s heads and soul effigies found in 17th- and 18th-century burying grounds. They are part of a neoclassical tradition that began in the 1760s.

Usage of these motifs was part of a larger trend toward sentimentality in mourning art. The willow was an ancient mourning symbol.

Nellie Sanborn’s gravestone dates from the early 20th century.

Dennis Monument - usually the torches are inverted in cemetery art
05/28/2026

Dennis Monument - usually the torches are inverted in cemetery art

Join us for an evening tour of historic Cedar Hill Cemetery.
05/26/2026

Join us for an evening tour of historic Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Remembering with gratitude the sacrifice of those who served.
05/25/2026

Remembering with gratitude the sacrifice of those who served.

Butterflies on the steps of the Howard pyramid.
05/23/2026

Butterflies on the steps of the Howard pyramid.

Don't forget it's a 7:00 am start for the Bird Walk on Saturday, May 30!
05/21/2026

Don't forget it's a 7:00 am start for the Bird Walk on Saturday, May 30!

Monument Detail – Oak Leaves & Ivy – Strength & Immortality
05/20/2026

Monument Detail – Oak Leaves & Ivy – Strength & Immortality

Excited to announce that The Midnight Anthem will perform a free concert at Cedar Hill on July 23. The popular band will...
05/19/2026

Excited to announce that The Midnight Anthem will perform a free concert at Cedar Hill on July 23. The popular band will perform an entertaining blend of originals and popular tunes in a mix of country, folk, rock and Americana.

Bears, oh my! Unexpected guests on our tour this past Saturday. Photo taken from a safe distance! (Zoomed in -- hence th...
05/18/2026

Bears, oh my! Unexpected guests on our tour this past Saturday.

Photo taken from a safe distance! (Zoomed in -- hence the grainy photo.)

Please be aware of your surroundings when walking through the cemetery.

Address

453 Fairfield Avenue
Hartford, CT
06114

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 5pm
Tuesday 7am - 5pm
Wednesday 7am - 5pm
Thursday 7am - 5pm
Friday 7am - 5pm
Saturday 7am - 5pm
Sunday 7am - 5pm

Telephone

+18609563311

Website

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