Grove Street Cemetery, New Haven

4.6

#1 of 6 in Historic Sites in New Haven

Cemetery · Hidden Gem · Tourist Spot

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Grove Street Cemetery or Grove Street Burial Ground is a cemetery in New Haven, Connecticut, that is surrounded by the Yale University campus. It was organized in 1796 as the New Haven Burying Ground and incorporated in October 1797 to replace the crowded burial ground on the New Haven Green. The first private, nonprofit cemetery in the world, it was one of the earliest burial grounds to have a planned layout, with plots permanently owned by individual families, a structured arrangement of ornamental plantings, and paved and named streets and avenues. By introducing ideas like permanent memorials and the sanctity of the deceased body, the cemetery became "a real turning point... a whole redefinition of how people viewed death and dying", according to historian Peter Dobkin Hall. Many notable Yale and New Haven luminaries are buried in the Grove Street Cemetery, including 14 Yale presidents; nevertheless, it was not restricted to members of the upper class, and was open to all.
In 2000, Grove Street Cemetery was designated a National Historic Landmark.
Today, it is managed by Camco Cemetery Management.

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Grove Street Cemetery reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

80 reviews

Google

4.5

By AdventureDiva

This National Historic Landmark opened in 1797 and is the oldest cemetery in the nation. The only way you can enter the grounds is through the cemetery 's main entrance. Walking dogs is permitted but.... more

This National Historic Landmark opened in 1797 and is the oldest cemetery in the nation. The only way you can enter the grounds is through the cemetery 's main entrance. Walking dogs is permitted but.... more »
By lizzystick

This is a very interesting cemetery to visit, A lot of history dating back to the 18th century and recognizable names , I will schedule a tour next time I visit. Some of the statues/stones are...

This is a very interesting cemetery to visit, A lot of history dating back to the 18th century and recognizable names , I will schedule a tour next time I visit. Some of the statues/stones are... more »
By Petergun1962

A mix of very old and new graves. In this cemetery you will find Eli Whitney, Charles Goodyear, Noah Webster and Bart Giamatti . Very well kept grounds and all the streets within the cemetery and...

A mix of very old and new graves. In this cemetery you will find Eli Whitney, Charles Goodyear, Noah Webster and Bart Giamatti . Very well kept grounds and all the streets within the cemetery and... more »

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By Rose H

Beautiful cemetery in downtown New Haven. The final resting place of many prominent figures in Connecticut's history - including Eli Whitney, Noah Webster, and more. Many interesting headstones and statues - definitely worth the trip for anyone interested in death symbolism.

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By Max Banach

Quaint and serene cemetery honoring the past residents of New Haven. Numerous veterans, Yale professors, and influential individuals reside 6-feet under. While the upkeep at cemeteries is always to be desired, it would be better if some of the 300+ year old tombstones that have fallen down be picked up, grass grown uniformly, etc.

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By Jenessa Adams

A beautiful and quiet sanctuary to remember our forefathers. The burials are old and there are some historic names buried here. A nice place to walk through with a toddler on a Sunday to get away from the crowds and noise of campus.

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By D MP

So gorgeous!!!! A little tough walking with ice but otherwise a beautiful walk!

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By Amy Mathison-Start

Filled with History and beautiful architectural details

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