Philadelphia's Abandoned Graves to Be Discussed by Researcher Ed Snyder at Athenaeum Speaker Series Event
Preserving Philadelphia's Historical Burial Sites: A Focus on Christ Church Burial Ground and Har Nebo Cemetery
Philadelphia, a city rich in history, boasts several significant historical burial sites that serve as a testament to its past and offer valuable insights for future generations. Two such sites, Christ Church Burial Ground and Har Nebo Cemetery, are at the forefront of preservation efforts.
Christ Church Burial Ground, established in 1719, is a veritable treasure trove of American history. Buried within its hallowed grounds are key figures such as Benjamin Franklin, Declaration of Independence signers, Dr. Benjamin Rush, and heroes like Commodore William Bainbridge. Despite its age and the passage of time, the site remains popular for both guided and self-guided tours, with maintenance efforts to preserve its colonial-era tombstones. The entrance fee for visitors ensures its continued preservation and accessibility[2][3][4].
Another critical site is the Har Nebo Cemetery, founded in 1890 in Philadelphia’s Oxford Circle neighborhood. This Jewish cemetery holds over 34,000 graves, representing a large wave of Eastern European Jewish immigrants. The challenges faced in its management are numerous, with many tombstones deteriorating due to time and weather. However, efforts to conserve these tombstones are underway, focusing on respectful restoration and documentation to honour those buried there. The importance of preserving family and communal histories amidst these changes cannot be overstated[1].
Preservation Efforts:
Efforts in places like Har Nebo include research, community engagement, and physical conservation work, addressing neglect caused by the passage of time and family dispersal[1]. Christ Church Burial Ground, on the other hand, emphasises maintaining the site for educational and commemorative purposes, balancing accessibility with preservation needs. It is staffed for tours and public visits, and its management has to consider wear from visitors as well as natural aging of the graves[2][3][4].
Future Construction Considerations:
Given their historical and cultural significance, any new construction projects nearby must carefully consider potential impacts on these burial grounds and graves to avoid disturbing them. Urban planning in Philadelphia increasingly recognises the importance of respecting such sites, often requiring archaeological assessments before development near historic cemeteries. Maintaining green space around these burial grounds is also crucial to preserving their atmosphere and preventing encroachment, ensuring that future generations can continue to access and learn from these sites[1][2][3][4].
On Thursday, Ed Snyder will speak about abandoned burial grounds in Philadelphia and its surroundings at the Athenaeum's speaker series. Snyder's research, which focuses on abandoned graves in Philadelphia, relies on the Athenaeum's archives and collections. The speech will cover updates on recently discovered burial grounds like the one at Temple University, as well as general information about historical burial sites in the city. Admission for Athenaeum members is free, while nonmembers pay $20. For more details, visit the event's webpage[5].
In the past, the discovery of graves at Second and Arch Street led to the unearthing of over a thousand graves due to the lack of records to check beforehand. Snyder has discussed the handling of such situations on his blog, emphasising the importance of resources and historical precedents to avoid past mistakes[6].
The Athenaeum, founded in 1814 to provide access to knowledge, special collections, and spaces for intellectual discussion, has a long-standing relationship with Snyder. The Athenaeum hosts about three speakers per month, but the number is lighter in the summer. Starting in the fall, the Athenaeum's partnership with the Preservation Alliance will bring an additional monthly speaker[7].
Philadelphia Archeological Forum has mapped over 200 historical burial sites across the city, providing valuable resources for preservation efforts. Temple University recently found graves under a parking lot, which was built over a cemetery holding 28,000 graves. Snyder hopes that when workers stumble upon human remains, there are now enough resources and historical precedents to avoid past mistakes[8].
Snyder's virtual lecture in 2021 on Monument Cemetery is the Athenaeum's most viewed video on YouTube, highlighting the public's interest in these historical burial sites and the importance of their preservation.
[1] Philadelphia Archeological Forum [2] Christ Church Burial Ground [3] National Park Service [4] Visit Philadelphia [5] Athenaeum of Philadelphia [6] Ed Snyder's Blog [7] Athenaeum of Philadelphia [8] Temple University
In light of the city's historical burial sites and the significance they hold, future home-and-garden projects in Philadelphia should take extra care to avoid disturbing or encroaching on these sacred grounds. These preservation efforts will help maintain the lifestyle and heritage that these burial sites represent for future generations.
Beyond support for the preservation of historical burial sites like Christ Church Burial Ground and Har Nebo Cemetery, homeowners in Philadelphia might also consider green spaces to foster a sense of civic pride and heritage in their own home-and-garden environments. Such spaces could complement the preservation of historical burial sites and contribute to an appreciation of the city's rich history and lifestyle.
