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The Cemetery and The River: A BYOF Picnic Above the Schuylkill

Presented by Laurel Hill Cemetery - The Underground Museum at Laurel Hill Cemetery

September 12, 2009

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Since the cemetery’s founding in 1836, views of the Schuylkill River have remained a central component of its visual character, and a memorable part of the Laurel Hill experience for visitors of past and present. The site’s proximity to the river was perhaps the most important selling point for the cemetery’s founders. Many early funeral-goers traveled to Laurel Hill via steamboat, once the vehicles started plying the river on a regular basis in the 1840s, embarking hourly on a circuit between Fairmount and the Falls of Schuylkill to empty a stream of lot-holders and sightseers at the cemetery. The tour will explore these and many other connections between Laurel Hill and the River. The tour will be guided by Dr. Michael Brooks, West Chester University professor, Laurel Hill Cemetery historian, and retired board member of the Friends. The program will be followed by a BYOF (Bring Your Own Food) picnic overlooking the river. Blankets, Beverages and Cold Storage for lunches will be provided.